Hi! I’m Audrey — I started Let it Rip to capture the spirit of an industry that shaped me: the grit, humor, heartbreak, and camaraderie that exist behind the scenes of service. After years of late nights and long shifts I wanted to expand outside of the grind and create something that combined my love for food, storytelling, human connection, and this wild, beautiful world of hospitality.

5+ years ago, a family member of mine — a chef — posted a photo of themselves in a back alley, sitting on a milk crate, eating a sandwich. This was an honest and familiar glimpse into the moments we steal mid-shift, whether crouched behind the expo line or hovering over a trash can, grabbing a quick bite in the little time we have during service — all the while creating a memorable meal and experience for the unaware guests in the dining room. Ever since, I have been inspired to start this project — to capture the rawness behind every customer experience. What started as a small dream of a photo book, documenting these behind the scenes moments has since grown into the project it is today. This idea has been simmering for some time now, after all those late nights over wine - sharing my big dream with friends and co-workers - it’s finally time to fire.

Let it Rip isn’t just a project — it’s my creative responsibility to honor the people who keep this industry running, often at the expense of their own well-being. Think Humans of New York meets Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential — a raw collective of interviews, essays, and community submissions. These stories come straight from the inside — told by those who live it, in the weeds, in the heat, in the heart of it all.