Food & Wine’s 2025 Drinks Visionaries

In 2018, when Amanda Gunderson and Travis Nass cofounded the nonprofit Another Round Another Rally, their goal was to fill what they saw as “glaring gaps” in the hospitality industry. “There were gaping holes — from lack of access to health care and emergency coverage to the need for a better work-life balance,” says Gunderson.

They also recognized the deep inequality and lack of upward mobility for marginalized groups in the business. “The restaurant industry is among the nation’s most diverse, with workers from underrepresented backgrounds making up its majority,” says Gunderson. “Yet leadership doesn’t reflect that.” To combat this disparity, the cofounders designed their organization to focus on mentorship and professional development, and to offer programs that prioritize members of marginalized groups who have historically faced exclusion from higher-paying roles. 

Gunderson and Nass had long careers in hospitality — starting in high school when Gunderson was working at a fast-food restaurant and Nass in a mall food court. They met in 2012 while working their way through a range of positions in the industry.

“We spent the first two decades of our careers honing our skills in dive bars, fine-dining establishments, and everywhere in between,” says Gunderson. “We both gained experience in barbacking, bartending, menu creation, and craft-cocktail program management.” But it was when they both found themselves working on the supply side of the industry that they created the groundwork for Another Round Another Rally. “All the relationships we’d made played a critical part in getting Another Round Another Rally off the ground,” says Nass.

Shortly after launching fundraising efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the industry. The duo sprang into action, raising over $3 million in emergency funds. Campari Group donated $1 million, with support also coming from LVMH, Diageo, and others.

Post-pandemic, Another Round Another Rally’s focus expanded to include education. The nonprofit now offers immersive programs exploring winemaking, mezcal, bourbon, rum, tequila, and more. They also launched Rally for Tomorrow, a sustainability initiative addressing water and food waste, recycling, and human wellness in hospitality.

Today, the industry faces fresh challenges. Policies like Trump-era executive orders rolling back DEI efforts, aggressive tariffs, and immigration restrictions have had wide-reaching effects. “It’s impossible to ignore the impact of ICE raids and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation,” says Gunderson. With the National Restaurant Association estimating 51% of restaurant workers being minorities and 22% foreign-born, the sector is particularly vulnerable.

Still, Gunderson and Nass remain hopeful. The nonprofit has rolled out mental health and legal support, including services for Spanish-speaking and LGBTQ+ hospitality professionals. “We’re seeing more and more supporters come out of the woodwork, with many recognizing that our mission is now more critical than ever, says Gunderson. “It’s our firm belief that diversity is part of the fabric of America, and that it’s also one of our greatest strengths.”

Looking ahead, the pair hope to expand beyond bartending, offering support to chefs and managers, and exploring retirement savings plans for industry workers. As for the name? “Every time someone asks, ‘Do you want another round?’ it reminds us of the deeper purpose — bringing people together not just for a drink, but for change,” says Nass.

Food & Wine’s Drinks Visionaries program showcases the people who have changed how we drink, from bartenders and restaurant owners to distillers, winemakers, and beyond. Discover the rest of 2025’s honorees here.