Executive Team: Kathy Sidell

Kathy Sidell Trustman
OWNER - THE MET RESTAURANT GROUP
THE METROPOLITAN CLUB
THE MET BAR & GRILL
THE MET BACK BAY

In Kathy Sidell’s family, mealtime was not just about eating food. Time at the table was about discussing, evaluating, even obsessing about food and drink. In addition to re-hashing the day’s events, engaging in heated discussions about politics or the Red Sox, conversations usually revolved around thoughts on current issues of Food & Wine Magazine or where to find the best rosti in Switzerland or the tastiest gravelox in New York City. Regular trips to Europe, summers in California and dining out four nights a week gave Kathy a global exposure that enabled her to develop her passion for food and her love for cooking.

It wasn’t just that the family loved food. Jack Sidell, Kathy’s father and a prominent Boston banker, financed many up-and-coming chefs like Todd English and Jasper White. His financial support and passion for good food launched them into celebrity chef stardom. Often times these chefs debuted their talent at the Sidell’s dining room table inspiring Kathy towards her dream of running her own restaurants. “For as long as I can remember, I‘ve always wanted to open a restaurant.” Finally, she made this a reality by opening The Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts in 2004.The Met Club, a modern steakhouse, quickly became known for its traditional classic dishes presented with a modern twist.

Before making the transition into the hospitality industry, Kathy attended Columbia University film school in the late 1970’s. She then went on to become a founding partner of the renowned production company Chelsea Pictures which became a major force producing thousands of award winning TV commercials, and the acclaimed documentary Fast, Cheap and Out of Control. “There are great parallels between launching a restaurant and making a film,” says Sidell. “As a producer, you have to assemble a gifted team, a cast and crew consisting of polished professionals who are brilliant at what they do. I take the same approach in building my restaurants, bringing together a talented cast of people who are passionate enough to put on a first-class show.”

Kathy has been recognized for her foresightedness in identifying new concepts in culinary trends and introducing them to Boston.  She followed up her success of the Metropolitan Club by opening two locations in lifestyle shopping centers; Legacy Place, Dedham and The Natick Collection.  The MET Bar & Grills offer an inviting atmosphere featuring fresh, high quality sandwiches, salads, entrees and a Burger Bar.  The MET Burger Bars were the first Burger Bars in the area and include more than 20 varieties of burgers, innovative and delicious toppings, and endless personal burger creation options. 

In October of 2011, Kathy opened her newest venture, MET Back Bay, on the corner of Newbury and Dartmouth Streets in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay.  MET Back Bay is housed in a landmark brownstone and features four separate dining areas including the Library, the Ham and Cheese Bar, the Dining Room, and the exclusive, members-only Townhouse.

Once a month she and her executive team along with Style Boston, a regional lifestyle television show, highlight food trends and New England hotspots. The show, 24 Hours with Kate airs on WCVB/ABC. The Met Team has traveled and filmed segments in Woodstock, Vermont, Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island, New Haven, Connecticut and Provincetown, Massachusetts.