Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper

Written By Alan Fleischmann

Co-Owners, Russ & Daughters

This episode will air on April 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET

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We want to exist at the meeting point between tradition and innovation—where continuity gives meaning to everything we do.

Summary

In this episode of Leadership Matters, Alan Fleischmann sits down with Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper, fourth-generation owners of Russ & Daughters, the iconic New York appetizing institution founded in 1914.

They share their deeply personal journeys back to the family business, reflecting on the mentors, experiences, and pivotal moments that shaped their leadership philosophies. From Niki’s inspiration drawn from Howard Schultz’s concept of the “third place” to Josh’s diverse leadership influences, the conversation highlights how different paths can converge into a shared vision.

Together, they explore how to balance tradition with innovation, preserving a cultural legacy while evolving to meet modern demands. They discuss expanding into new formats like restaurants and e-commerce, navigating risk, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and human connection.

Mentions & Resources

Guest Bio

Niki Russ Federman

Niki Russ Federman is the fourth-generation co-owner of Russ & Daughters. At the age of 27, Russ Federman chose to return to the shop in which she grew up. Together with her cousin, Josh, she has grown Russ & Daughters into what it is today, while preserving its cultural and culinary legacy. Russ Federman has been featured in The Sturgeon Queens, the award-winning documentary about Russ & Daughters; television shows such as Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; and publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Food & Wine, Zagat, Vogue, and W Magazine. She was inducted into the Manhattan Jewish Hall of Fame and has an encyclopedic entry in the Jewish Women’s Archive. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Christopher, and two children.

Josh Russ Tupper

Josh Russ Tupper is the fourth-generation co-owner of Russ & Daughters. Raised in an ashram in upstate New York, Russ Tupper was working as an engineer in Portland, OR, when the opportunity arose to join his family business at 26. He has been leading Russ & Daughters with his cousin Niki ever since. He has been featured in media outlets such as NPR, Food Network, The Travel Channel, Forbes, The Cut, Kinfolk, Lucky Peach, The New Yorker, and Vogue. He is also one of the subjects of documentary The Sturgeon Queens. Called “the Babka Baron” by the New York Times, Josh has been honored by the Museum of Food and Drink for his contributions to NYC food culture. He has taught at the YIVO Center for Jewish Research and Astor Center. Russ Tupper lives with his wife, Denise, and two daughters.

Episode Transcript

Transcript to be uploaded upon the episode’s premiere.

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