Renee Buckingham interviews Dan Sims, a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry. Sims, CEO and founder of Revel Global and chair of Wine Victoria, shares his journey from starting in suburban cafes to becoming a renowned sommelier. They discuss the essence of hospitality, the integral role of wine in dining experiences, and the evolving nature of the industry. Sims emphasises the importance of storytelling, care, and community in hospitality. The conversation also explores the...

Shannon Martinez may be an unlikely face of plant-based dining, but she’s unstoppable. With over 22 years in Melbourne kitchens, she's transforming the way the world sees plant-based food. As the owner of Smith + Daughters and Smith + Deli, two of Australia’s most influential plant-based businesses, Shannon’s impact is undeniable. Not to mention, she’s also the author of three best-selling cookbooks, with her fourth, Vegan Italian Food, now available for pre-order! Join host Renee as she...

In this episode, host Renee interviews Aaron Trotman, founder of NON, a non-alcoholic beverage brand from Sydney. They discuss Aaron's journey in creating high-quality non-alcoholic drinks inspired by food pairing experiences in London. Trotman shares insights on building a brand, the importance of collaboration for growth and the challenges faced in scaling internationally. He highlights NON's commitment to producing premium drinks and its increasing presence in global high-end...

Benjamin Cooper - a culinary mastermind, respected chef, king of the Chin Chin kitchen AND cookbook author, joins Host, Renee on our latest POH episode! He uncovers how personal challenges and kitchen discoveries shaped his career, offering a deep dive into the emotional and sensory triggers that make food truly unforgettable. Touching on the importance of sharing knowledge, staying curious and the evolving influence of social media in today’s culinary world. Please find our guest...

Chef Caitlin Koether is an expert in food preservation and fermentation with over a decade of global experience at renowned spots like Bar Tartine in San Fransisco and Relae in Copenhagen. Caitlin shares practical tips on preservation techniques, sustainability, flavour innovation, and personal insights into mentorship and creativity in the culinary world. Based in Melbourne, she continues to captivate through collaborations and pop-ups, focusing on the connection between preservation,...

Host Leon Kennedy engages with Melbourne's renowned Loren Daniels. Loren of Roller Door Projects, reveals practical techniques for marketing, PR strategy and customer retention in the hospitality industry. Discover the significance of PR strategies, internal readiness and storytelling to elevate hospitality and marketing efforts. This episode offers valuable insights to thrive in the competitive Melbourne and Australian food scene. Please find our guest information here: Website:...

In this episode, we uncover tackling imposter syndrome and business pressures with Florian Ribul, chef and co-owner of Vex Dining. The conversation highlights the importance of community, authenticity, and dedication in the culinary world, all deeply influenced by Florian’s family traditions and hands-on experiences. We explore the significance of creating a localised dining experience, building a brand gradually, and standing out in a competitive market, all while balancing personal and...

Ep 279 – Maximising Your Business Payments: A Conversation with David Walsh of pay.com.au David Walsh, Head of Digital, CX & Marketing at pay.com.au, shares his unique journey from a chemistry degree to digital marketing, showcasing his expertise in data-driven strategies and AI. In this episode, we explore the benefits of business rewards systems and pay.com.au's transformative impact on payments. Learn how David leverages AI for business insights, optimises customer acquisition, and...

In this episode, we explore the essential role of purpose in building successful hospitality brands with Michael Bascetta, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Grada Coffee, Home Grown & Stella Coffee. Michael tackles topics such as effective project management, strategic mentor relationships, and the significance of branding and proactive planning. We discuss the importance of community in hospitality, illustrated by Michael's career experiences and successful venue openings. The...

Ep 277 - Mastering the Art of Culinary Precision: Aleksis Kalnins' Journey from Elite Kitchens to MOLLI. Welcome to the Principle of Hospitality Podcast where we dive deeply into culinary arts with some of the most fascinating personalities. Join your host, Leon Kennedy, as he sits down with the elite operators of the culinary world. This week, we explore all things 'cooking' and 'high-pressure kitchens' with Aleksis Kalnins, a distinguished chef with a rich history in high-pressure kitchens...

Ep 277 - Discover how to effectively onboard and retain talent with Chris Firinauskas, Transformational Coach & 42 Days. In this series we are re-releasing some of our most loved, talked about and interesting conversations.  We hope you enjoy this episode. In this week’s podcast we have an amazing facilitator and transformational coach in the hospitality industry, a company that specializes in hospitality onboarding and training. With years of experience in the industry, Chris Firinauskas...

Ep 276 - From Pandemic to Pastry Powerhouse: The Tarts Anon Tale With Gareth Whitton from Tarts Anon  In this series we are re-releasing some of our most loved, talked about and interesting conversations.  We hope you enjoy this episode. Welcome to the Principle of Hospitality Podcast where we dive deeply into culinary arts with some of the most fascinating personalities. Join your host, Leon Kennedy, as he sits down with the elite operators of the culinary world.  In today's episode, we have...

Ep 275 -Innovative Hospitality Design and Branding: Trends, Marketing, and Practical Advice for Businesses with Jes Egan from Principle Design  In this series we are re-releasing some of our most loved, talked about and interesting conversations.  We hope you enjoy this episode. This week we are excited to have Jes Egan the General Manager of Principle Design, a hospitality design and branding agency. Principle Design has a wealth of experience in the industry, with a focus on creating...

Ep 274 - The importance of storytelling in the design of your hospitality venue with Eid Goh the Director of Architects EAT In this series, we are re-releasing some of our most loved, talked about and interesting conversations.  We hope you enjoy this episode. Architects EAT believes in ‘finding new solutions to the everyday’, and is run by a talented team of passionate, considerate and detail-oriented architects and interior designers They believe that great design is for the long haul, not...

Ep 273 - Coffee Meets Cocktails: Brewing Innovation with Tim Varney & Darren Leaney from Worksmith and the launch of Grada  In today's episode, we're broadcasting straight from the heart of the action at the Worksmith recording studio. Joining us are Tim Varney and Darren Leaney, the innovative minds behind Worksmith. These two have been instrumental in transforming the beverage landscape, from crafting unique cocktails to launching the exciting new Grada range. We're set for a...

Ep 272 - Resilience and Growth: The Evolution of Saul's with Co-Founders Leor, Elliot, and Kaisey In this episode, we're diving into the story of Saul's, a sandwich brand that's become a staple in Melbourne's culinary scene. Joining us are the co-founders Leor and Elliot, along with Kaisey, who has been leading the brand as CEO for the past year. Saul's journey is one of resilience, growth, and community connection. This year has been pivotal for them, with significant strides in...

Ep 271 - Sustainable Solutions for Hospitality: Tom Naughtin on Waste Ninja's Waste Warriors In this week's episode, we chat with Tom Naughtin, the General Manager of Waste Ninja. This company is pioneering waste management solutions, specifically targeted for the hospitality industry, aiming to make businesses both more efficient and environmentally friendly. 🎙 Key Takeaways: -Unique Solutions: Tom gives us an inside look into how Waste Ninja’s services are designed to revolutionise waste...

Ep 270 - Reinventing the Deli: Fresh Growth & Four-Day Weeks with Hector's with CEO Adam Brownell This week, we're excited to welcome Adam Brownell, CEO of Hector's Deli, to the show. Adam's impressive background in Food and Beverage Management has taken him around the world, and now he's steering the ship at Hector's Deli in Melbourne. Known for its standout sandwiches, Hector's is not just about great food; it's about innovative workplace practices too. We're particularly keen to chew...

Ep 269 - Cooking with Conviction: A Culinary Journey with Chef Ian Curley We're honoured to welcome a stalwart of the culinary world, Chef Ian Curley, to our podcast. A British expat who has become a cornerstone of Melbourne's food scene, Chef Curley brings over 30 years of rich experience and a love for European cuisine to the table. His influence spans prestigious kitchens, television screens, and mentorship programs, shaping the industry in myriad ways. In today's episode, we delve into...

Ep 268 - Feeding Melbourne's Soul: La Luna, Life, and Legacy in the Kitchen with Chef Adrian Richardson In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Adrian Richardson, the culinary force behind La Luna Bistro and a familiar face on Australian television. With a career spanning over three decades, Adrian has not only shaped his own kitchen but also the way Australians view and engage with food. From his early days considering a career in aviation to becoming a household name, Adrian's story...

Ep 267 - The Intersection of Innovation and Tradition with Chris Lerch & Keat Lee from Lagoon Dining We are thrilled to have Chris Lerch and Keat Lee of Melbourne's acclaimed Lagoon Dining with us on this podcast. Launched in 2019, the restaurant has been a beacon for East Asian-inspired cuisine, impressing critics and diners alike. With a perfect blend of passion, innovation, and style, Chris and Keat have led Lagoon Dining to numerous awards, even in challenging times. 🎙 Key...

Ep 266 - Repeat  - Intimate settings, epic experiences: The Power of Small Venues with founder of Don’s Place Alex Gavioli  Smaller format venues with more compact food and beverage programs are becoming normalised across the country, especially in Melbourne.  The bar scene is no stranger to this, so it is great to talk with a dynamic young leader in the hospitality industry this week who is carving a path to have one of the best small bar experiences in Melbourne. He is energetic, thoughtful...

Ep 265:  From Corporate Life to a Delicious Detour with Chef Carolyne Helmy from The Star Gold Coast  This week we’re honored to chat with Chef Carolyne Helmy. With a unique blend of French culinary mastery and New Caledonian heritage, Carolyne has been shaping the gastronomic landscape at The Star Gold Coast's luxury suite hotel, The Darling. Prepare to be whisked away into her world of sumptuous menus, tight-knit team culture, and ambitious vision for the future. Key Takeaways: -French...

Ep 264: Cirque Du Soil's Path to Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Hospitality with Jean Darling and Stephen Mason. This week we're sitting down with Jean Darling and Stephen Mason, the minds behind Cirque Du Soil. This brand is not just shaking up the waste management game; it's creating a movement toward sustainable practices in hospitality. From environmental impacts to cutting-edge tech, these two are bringing an unprecedented level of transparency and innovation to the table. Key...