Catching Up with Heinz Beck

This article features Brian Bice, a new tour company owner, and his journey to establishing BFAB Tours, which specializes in walking tours of Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Bice shares his diverse background, starting with his birth in Hawaii to an American military father and Japanese mother, followed by a childhood in Wisconsin. His early career involved teaching English in Japan and working as a tour guide in Guam, before transitioning into luxury retail. Over a decade, he worked for prominent brands like Louis Vuitton in various international locations, including Hong Kong, Paris, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, before a role with Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver. He then became the East Coast Regional Manager for Bottega Veneta, which brought him to New York City. Bice also held the position of Retail Director at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a significant development on the west side of Manhattan. After being laid off from his position as VP of Guest and Retail Experience for American Dream in New Jersey, Bice decided to leverage his past experience and passion for connecting with people to create BFAB Tours. His initial offering is a walking tour of Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood he deeply appreciates for its creativity, energy, diversity, history, and grit. Bice believes that understanding Hell's Kitchen provides insight into the authentic New York City. The article details two memorable "New York minutes" for Bice: an unexpected encounter with former designers from *Project Runway* while living at Gotham West, and performing with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus at the 75th Tony Awards, where he met Bernadette Peters and was in close proximity to Lin-Manuel Miranda. The article also highlights Brian Bice's favorite places in Hell's Kitchen. These include Schmackary’s, a cookie shop he likens to the “Ben & Jerry’s of cookies,” appreciating its founder's Broadway-to-baker narrative as a symbol of reinvention in the neighborhood. He also mentions BUF Training, a personal and intimate fitness studio; Queen of Queens Nails & Spa, valued for its friendly owner and quality service; and Valla Table, a Thai restaurant praised for its authentic and beautifully presented “elevated Thai cuisine.” For social outings, Bice enjoys FLEX, an unpretentious and welcoming gay bar in a neighborhood known for its diverse gay nightlife. He also frequently visits All Seasons Body Work for affordable and effective foot and back massages, a routine he picked up during his time in Hong Kong. Fountain House + Body is another significant mention, not only as a cafe/store but also as a social enterprise providing transitional employment for individuals with serious mental illness, whose handmade products are sold there. Lastly, Bice recommends Molyvos for Greek food, particularly their pita and dips, and the Little Pie Company for its namesake dessert. He offers a discount to readers for "The FABulous Hell’s Kitchen Tour" through the end of August. Bice also shares a personal detail about his tripod dog, Peggy, whom he rescued and often takes on walks through Hell's Kitchen, noting her love for attention. This profile provides a comprehensive look at Brian Bice's personal and professional life, his deep connection to Hell's Kitchen, and his new entrepreneurial endeavor. #BrianBice #Hell'sKitchen #BFABTours #NewYorkCity #WalkingTours #Entrepreneurship #CommunitySpotlight #LocalBusiness #WestSideStories