THE CLIMAX of most movies occurs near the end of the story, however in Silky Otter Cinema’s story, the climax started building not long from the start.  Not long after the independent cinema chain opened its first theatre in Orakei, Auckland, in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic struck New Zealand.  Co-founder Neil Lambert (pictured above) says Silky Otter was in a growth phase, however social distancing and periodic lockdowns threatened to derail the company’s ambitions.  “For us it was incredibly tough to build a circuit of cinemas during a global pandemic — we had many struggles th ..read more

IS THE RISE of super-automatic, or fully automatic, coffee machines a flash in the pan or something more momentous?  It’s a question occupying the minds of many coffee-industry figures, since the answer will have significant implications for consumers and industry professionals.  Most espresso machines in cafés and coffee shops are semi-automatic.  They take care of things like water temperature and pressure, leaving the barista to grind the beans, tamp the grounds, manoeuvre the portafiller, and froth the milk.   However, super-automatic coffee machines can do everyth ..read more

WELCOME to our comprehensive guide on cold drip coffee — for coffee lovers eager to explore new brewing techniques. Cold drip coffee has been around for hundreds of years, however it’s been enjoying something of a revival in recent years. Some cafes have added cold drip coffee to their menu to give their customers more choice and boost revenue, especially during the sweltering summer months. Whether you're a café owner or a barista, this guide will help you get to grips with this unique brew. What is cold drip coffee? Cold drip coffee is a distinct brewing method that results in a smooth ..read more

IF PUBLIC online consumer conversations are a reliable indicator, lattes are the most popular coffee order in Australia.  Brandwatch, a social-listening platform, analysed conversations in Australia around coffee between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023.  It found that lattes accounted for almost half of online mentions about coffee, followed by flat whites (15%), cappuccinos (14%), and cold brews (12%).   While latte’s top spot looks assured indefinitely, cold brews look set to climb to second place in the not-too-distant future — especially if the experience in the Uni ..read more

FOOD insecurity is a problem normally associated with Third World countries plagued by, for example, war and drought.  However, it’s an issue that’s close to home too, especially in Indigenous communities in Australia’s remote areas.  “These communities have limited access to affordable and healthy food options,” says Levi-Joel Tamou, the founder of Indigenous Futures Foundation (IFF), a not-for-profit helping to close the food gap.  “This is due in large part to the higher cost of transporting fresh produce and other essential items to these areas.”  The IFF is on a missio ..read more

In the ever-changing world of Aussie hospitality, the tech boom and keeping it real with customers are hot topics. In part 2 of our 2024 trends, predictions and tips blog series, our industry pros, each bringing their own view, spill the beans on this ongoing chat. Check out what they have to say about the ups and downs that come with the great debate of technology vs. the customer experience in the Aussie hospitality scene. Craving Connection: Post-COVID Yearning for Personal Interaction Looking back at the COVID days (we know, it sent shivers down our spine as well), Michael Illari of Bromic ..read more

We interviewed a panel of industry experts about what’s hot, what’s not and what challenges business owners are facing in 2024. There was a resounding theme: Costs continue to grow and business performance and profit margins are under more pressure than ever.   In the face of escalating costs, savvy operators are exploring avenues to bolster profitability. Our industry panel anticipate that to achieve better profitability you need to cover every aspect of your business operations.    Is Your Pricing Damaging Your Business? With the rapid increase of cost of goods and wages over ..read more

Founded in 2016, Haysung Korean BBQ is a popular dine-in and takeaway restaurant located in the Melbourne suburbs of Springvale, Box Hill, and Glen Waverly. The restaurant uses the freshest of ingredients, including locally sourced Angus beef, Australian Wagyu, pork, chicken, seafood, and seasonal produce. Their menu includes not only BBQ dishes, but also entrees, bento boxes, rice meals, soups, and noodles.   Challenge One of the major challenges Haysung Korean BBQ faced was the need to invest in new kitchen equipment to improve their cooking efficiency, meet growing demand, and maintain ..read more

What's inside this buyer's guide   Introduction Types of commercial wok burners Styles of commercial wok burners Things to consider before purchase Best makes of commercial wok burners Used commercial wok burners — worth considering? Frequently asked questions Commercial wok burner glossary Keep your cash, use ours!     A wok burner is not just a stove. It's a beast. It can blast out intense heat, handle massive amounts of food, and switch between different cooking styles. Whether you want to toss, fry, steam, or stew, a wok burner can do it all.  But how do you choose th ..read more

What's inside this buyer's guide   Introduction What is a dough roller machine? Different types of commercial dough rollers What is a dough sheeter machine? Different types of commercial dough sheeters Different styles of commercial dough sheeters What’s the difference between a commercial dough roller and dough sheeter machine? Dough roller and dough sheeter – which machine do you need? Features to consider Other purchase considerations Best commercial dough roller and dough sheeter machines Used dough rollers and dough sheeters - worth considering? Frequently asked questions Commercial ..read more