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...

Bonus Episode - Worksmith Events - The Future Of Restaurants Report supported by Square In the latest edition of Worksmith Community Talks, we explore the Future of Restaurants Report as supported by Square. The food and beverage industry attracts fearless, resilient entrepreneurs who are embracing change. From blurring the line with retail to pushing the envelope with automation, restaurants are evolving and expanding in ways that transform the experience for diners and staff alike....

Ep 263 -Serving South Australia in a Glass: Insights into the Success of Mothervine and East End Cellars with Quinn Spencer Today, we're pouring a glass with Quinn Spencer, the brains behind the management of Mothervine and East End Cellars in beautiful South Australia. These places are a dream for wine enthusiasts and foodies, and we're thrilled to dive into what makes them so special with Quinn. 🍷 In This Episode, You'll Discover: Quinn's Journey: Hear about his experience in South...

Ep 262 - Cooking with Heart - Matt Golinski's Journey to Gastronomic Excellence In this exciting episode, we sat down with the one and only Matt Golinski, a household name in Australia's culinary scene. Best known for his dynamic presence on the TV show 'Ready Steady Cook,' Matt opens up about his deep-rooted passion for cooking and his journey in the gastronomic world. 🎙 Key Takeaways: -TV's Influence: Matt shares how 'Ready Steady Cook' shaped his cooking philosophy and deepened his...

Ep 261 - From Melbourne to Global Cafes: Mario Minichilli's Prana Chai Adventure We're delighted to have Mario Minichilli, co-founder of Prana Chai, in the house this week! Handmade in Melbourne and savoured around the globe, Prana Chai's unique blend has been a game-changer in the world of chai. Let's dive into the story with Mario. ☕ In This Episode, You'll Discover: The beginning: What inspired Mario, Vincent, and Koray to create Prana Chai? What was the spark that led to their unique chai...

Ep 260 - From Italy to Australia: The Cheesemaking Odyssey of Giorgio Linguanti from That's Amore Cheese Join us as we explore the rich and flavorful journey of Giorgio Linguanti, the mind behind That's Amore Cheese. With 15 years in the business, Giorgio has not only brought authentic Italian cheese to Australian shores but has also educated palates across the nation. 🧀 Here's What to Expect: From advertising in Italy to cheesemaking in Melbourne, Giorgio's transition is nothing short of...

Ep 259 - Transforming the way hospitality businesses operate with Richard McLeod, CEO of Loaded Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of hospitality with Richard McLeod, former hospitality group owner and one the masterminds behind Loaded. This comprehensive software hub is shaking up the way the industry operates, and we're thrilled to have Loaded sponsoring our season! What's Inside this Episode: Richard's personal journey into hospitality and the creation of Loaded.Roles and...

Bonus Ep - Worksmith Community Talks - How Authentic is your venue's design and experience? In the latest edition of Worksmith Community Talks, we explore how design influences authenticity & experience within the hospitality landscape. What does an authentic space look and feel like? Is there a trade-off required in venue design to achieve both functionality and experience? How do we celebrate and honour the history of service and trends within hospitality? How do you allow a space to...

Ep 258 - Navigating the Hospitality Terrain: Innovation, Customer Experience, and Legacy with Maria Tsihlakis. In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Maria Tsihlakis to the podcast. Maria's journey in the hospitality management realm has been nothing short of remarkable. Her innovative strategies, coupled with a deep-rooted passion for customer experience, have positioned her as a trailblazer in the field. With a wealth of experience and a penchant for fostering excellence, Maria's...

Ep 257 - Amplifying Filipino Flavours and Stories: A Journey into Cultural Culinary Fusion with Fides Mae Santos from The Entree. Pinays. and The Calamansi Story. In the latest episode of the Principle of Hospitality podcast, we had an enriching conversation with Fides Mae Santos of The Entree. Pinays. about the Calamansi Story and the cultural significance of Calamansi, the Philippine lime. Fides and her co-founder, Grace, are advocates for Filipino culture in Australia, having contributed...

Ep 256 - Charting a Sustainable Seafood Path and Influencing the Future of Culinary Arts with Umar Nguyen, the ‘Fish Girl’. In our captivating podcast episode, our guest Umar Ngyuyen and I embark on a journey through the lesser-known domains of seafood. We delve into the increased use of the whole fish in dishes, shedding light on overlooked parts such as wings, heads, and even rarely considered species like Razorback prawns. We discuss the challenges we've encountered in expanding the...