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 has a wealth of knowledge on best practices for ensuring that new employees are set up for succes ..read more

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 a special guest who embodies the essence of a high-performance chef. If there were a We ..read more

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 innovative and memorable experiences for guests through design and branding.  In this podcas ..read more

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 fascinating discussion on their journey, creative processes, and the future of beverages. Tim, Darren, it's ..read more

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 strengthening and expanding the brand. It's great to have Leor, Elliot, and Kaisey here to share their insights and ..read more

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 over their recent shift to a 4-day work week and what that means for the industry. ? Key Takeaways: Glo ..read more

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 his philosophy on food, his illustrious career, and even tease some exciting future endeavours. ? Key Tak ..read more

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 and a very fun hospitality leader, so we feel fortunate to have Alex Gavioli from Don’s ..read more

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 Influence: Carolyne delves into how her French roots and culture infuse her culinary art at The S ..read more

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 Takeaways: -Founding Vision: Jean explains how Cirque Du Soil came to be and its evolution. -Sustainability and Ben ..read more