SOPHISTICATED WOMAN

JEANNA CHANDLER-VUDIS

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Adam Gibson

Multi-faceted doesn’t begin to describe Jeanna Chandler-Vudis. A long-time restaurant executive and developer, she is also a certified sommelier and a licensed realtor. She has worked with some of the finest chefs and restaurateurs in Indianapolis and beyond, notably as the director of operations for Martha Hoover’s Patachou, Inc., as well as having opened acclaimed Philadelphia steakhouse, Butcher & Singer, with James Beard recipient Stephen Starr. Now focused on her residential real estate business with the Cohen Team at Engel & Völkers, Jeanna also assists her husband, a partner in Rootstock Hospitality Group, owners of Capri Ristorante and Another Broken Egg Cafes. We had the opportunity to talk to her recently and find out what spurs her on to greatness.

What is your biggest inspiration?

I was raised by my mother and grandmother, two incredible women who taught me to be strong, independent, and always a lady. Our focus was never really about being an empowered woman as much as an empowered person with dignity, integrity, and intellect. Their motto was, “Work hard, prove yourself and be able to wake up every morning and like the person you see in the mirror.” I have taken that with me throughout my life and never really thought twice about competing as a woman -- it was simply about proving myself as an equal player through my determination and drive.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in the midwest and east coast, including Peter’s Restaurant (a pioneer of farm-to-table dining in Indianapolis), Ruth’s Chris locally (where I met my husband and discovered my love of wine, which led me to become a sommelier), Patachou Inc., and Butcher & Singer with James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr in Philadelphia. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is that Butcher & Singer achieved three-bell status within the first few months of opening, and garnered high acclaim from renowned food critics in New York and Philadelphia.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

I hosted a radio show on NPR called International Wine Review, where I interviewed incredible winemakers, winery owners, and distinguished professionals in the industry.

What led you to real estate, your current focus?

Earlier in my career, I was the president of real estate development for a company, focusing on restaurants. I loved all aspects of it. Residential real estate is something I’ve wanted to do for most of my adult life, but other work and life took precedence. Now I’m finally at a point where I can combine my passion for customer service with my love for real estate, and helping my clients find the perfect properties is deeply rewarding.

Who is your greatest mentor?

My greatest mentor through the years continues to be my husband, Andrew, who also has held a real estate license while building his restaurant company with his longstanding business partner and friend.

As a certified sommelier, you must get asked for wine recommendations all the time. What wine would you take with you to a deserted island?

I couldn’t pick just one -- I’d figure out a way to stash at least three, all reds because keeping them chilled would be a problem. First, I’d bring the 2000 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux. This wine is a harmony between man and nature, and first-growth Bordeaux is something everyone who enjoys wine should experience. I had the pleasure of smuggling this into a trip to Grand Cayman Island, and it still lights a fire in my soul. I’d also bring the 2010 Sine Qua Non “Stockholm Syndrome” Syrah - this is truly one of the greatest Syrahs in the world. This wine is etched in my heart and would make even a deserted island special. And, finally, I would include the 1991 Joseph Phelps “Insignia”. This was my first true love and a big reason for my love affair with wine. Recognized as one of the world’s (and my) most iconic wines, how could I not take this with me?

Describe a sophisticated woman in three words.

Self-assured, refined, compassionate.