Today we’d like to introduce you to Lainie Pahos.
Hi Lainie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Chicago native but I’ve lived all over. I moved to Atlanta (the 7th city I’ve called home) in 2021 after almost 8 years in LA. Since moving to Atlanta, I have started two passion-driven companies that let me blend art, flavor, and community in unexpected ways.
First, there is Cocktale Hour, my immersive theatre company that mixes live performance with craft cocktails. I have spent more than twenty years in the theatre and film world, wearing pretty much every hat you can imagine. I have designed costumes, built props, stage-managed, directed, and, of course, stepped into the spotlight myself. After dreaming for years about creating my own company, I finally made it happen. Cocktale Hour invites people to step into a story, sip something delicious, and feel like part of the show.
My second venture, Hungry Herbivore, taps into my lifelong love for cooking. Some of my best memories were made in the kitchen with my parents and my grandmother, Maca. In 2021, after embracing a plant-forward lifestyle, I challenged myself to recreate Maca’s famous mac and cheese without animal products. I told myself I would go 100% vegan once I did that. When the vegan version came out just as rich and nostalgic as the original, I never looked back. I want to share with everyone what I already know, that plant-based food can be every bit as indulgent and joy-filled as the omnivore meals we grew up with.
Now, Hungry Herbivore offers heat-and-eat meals, personal chef services, cooking classes, and more. I love surprising people with how satisfying vegan dining can be and bringing folks together around food that is kind, flavorful, and full of heart.
Both companies share one mission. Whether I am serving a dish or staging a show, everything I do is about connection. I want people to walk away feeling nourished, inspired, and part of something special.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building two businesses while staying creative and connected has been incredibly rewarding, but it has not been without its battles (and lack of sleep).
Cocktale Hour was born at a time when most people would have focused on rest. I launched the company while dealing with some medical issues, including three shoulder surgeries since its inception. Producing immersive theatre when you physically cannot lift your arm above your head is… a unique challenge. Funding has always been a hurdle too, especially for independent theatre, and finding the perfect venue in a city where spaces fill up fast can feel like a never-ending treasure hunt. Still, every show that comes to life reminds me that the struggle is worth it.
Hungry Herbivore has its own origin story shaped by a global crisis. I soft launched the concept in 2020 while living in Los Angeles, shortly after the world went into lockdown. Restaurants were closed, people were craving comfort, and I decided to bring joy to their kitchens through heat-and-eat meals. It was both exciting and incredibly difficult to build a food business when you could not interact with customers face to face. Recently, I officially branched Hungry Herbivore out from my crafting business, Master of Some Shop, so it could grow into its own full identity.
Right now, my biggest challenge with Hungry Herbivore is simply being the new kid on the block. I am working to expand my client base and introduce more people to the delight of plant-based comfort food. I fully believe the growth will come. Every new client, every rave review, every empty plate reminds me that momentum is building.
We’ve been impressed with Cocktale Hour & Hungry Herbivore, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cocktale Hour and Hungry Herbivore may seem like two very different ventures at first glance, but they share one heartbeat. Both are built on my desire to bring people together and create experiences that feel memorable, delicious, and full of joy.
Cocktale Hour is my immersive theatre company where storytelling meets mixology. We specialize in original productions that invite audiences to sip, laugh, and become part of the performance. I love creating shows that break the fourth wall and help people feel like they stepped into another world for the night. We are known for our craft cocktail pairings, our witty and wild storytelling, and our commitment to making theatre feel fresh, interactive, and fun.
We are currently gearing up for our next production, Fireside Fizz, which will take place on Friday, December 19th at 8 p.m. at Limelight Theatre. This is our holiday cabaret filled with festive magic, spirited cocktails, and some of Atlanta’s most talented singers. I am also thrilled to share that we are planning a full mainstage immersive production in 2026, alongside our Sips & Songs cabaret series that highlights local performers and keeps the Cocktale Hour vibe flowing year-round.
What sets Cocktale Hour apart is the way we blend two social art forms. Theatre brings the story. Cocktails bring people together. Combining them creates a shared experience that feels both elevated and inviting. I am incredibly proud of the community we are building. (Mocktail options are available at all shows!)
Hungry Herbivore is the culinary counterpart to that same spirit of connection. I offer plant-based food created for vegans, the veg-curious, and anyone who loves delicious meals. My offerings include heat-and-eat meals, personal chef services, cooking classes, and small special event catering. Everything is designed to be delicious, nostalgic, and accessible.
Hungry Herbivore exists to show that vegan food can still taste like home. People do not need to give up their favorite dishes to eat kindly. They can have both.
What sets Hungry Herbivore apart is the heart behind the food. I believe in meals that spark conversation, build community, and feel like they were made just for you. Whether I am cooking a cozy dinner for two or filling a fridge with a week of meals, I want every bite to feel special.
What I am most proud of across both brands is that they reflect who I am. A storyteller. A maker. A host. Someone who believes that we all deserve to feel connected and cared for. Cocktale Hour and Hungry Herbivore let me create that space, whether through a show that draws you into the action or a plate of food that reminds you of home.
I would love for readers to know that both companies are growing, evolving, and always excited to welcome new friends. Follow along, come to a show, book a meal, and become part of the story.
Any big plans?
The future of both Cocktale Hour and Hungry Herbivore feels incredibly exciting, and I am leaning into growth with equal parts ambition and heart.
For Cocktale Hour, I am focused on building a full season of programming in Atlanta. Fireside Fizz this December is just the beginning. I plan to expand our Sips & Songs cabaret series, continue partnering with local venues and creative talent, and launch another full mainstage immersive show in 2026 that takes everything we love to the next level. I envision Cocktale Hour becoming a destination for those seeking theatre that surprises them, invites them in, and feels like a celebration. Long term, I would love to see us touring or even establishing a home venue where cocktails and storytelling live side by side.
For Hungry Herbivore, the goal is to feed more people and grow a loyal community around plant-based food. I am building out more offerings, expanding personal chef services, and developing tailored cooking experiences for individuals, families, and corporate events. I am also exploring collaborations with local vendor markets, pop-ups, and specialty retail so my food can reach more tables across the city. Down the line, I would love to create a physical space where people can learn, taste, and gather around vegan cuisine.
Across both brands, the mission remains constant. I want to create experiences that bring people together. The future looks like more shows, more meals, more laughter, more connection. Growth is coming, and I am ready.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cocktalehourtheatre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungryherbivorechef/ and https://www.instagram.com/cocktale.hour/
- LinkedIn: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MasterOfSomeShop
- Other: https://www.hungryherbivorechef.com/
Image Credits
Sean Kara
Antbird Media
