Leon Kennedy sits down with Mark Hannell, the chef and owner of Melbourne's latest hit, Reed House. In this episode, Mark reflects on his transformative journey in the hospitality industry, from his start in London to his defining roles at Three Blue Ducks and the challenging yet rewarding experience of opening and closing OMA. With candid discussions about mentorship, balancing personal life, and the highs and lows of being a business owner, this episode offers deep insights into the life and philosophy of a chef dedicated to his craft and community.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.reedhousemelbourne.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_hannell/

https://www.instagram.com/reedhouse.melbourne/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 significance of supporting local producers and the challenges currently faced by the hospitality sector.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://revel.global/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_sims/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 delves into Shannon's fascinating career, her creative process as an author and chef and the highs and lows of being at the forefront of the vegan industry. Experience the passion and determination that fuels her mission to make amazing plant-based food accessible to all.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.smithanddaughters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_martinez/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 restaurants, emphasising the importance of offering appealing non-alcoholic options in hospitality venues.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.non.world/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/non.world/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 information here:

Website: https://www.chinchin.melbourne/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinchin

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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, science, and flavour, while prioritising hyperlocality and waste management.

Tune in for a blend of culinary wisdom and creativity!

Please find our guest information here:

Website:

Instagram:

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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: https://www.rollerdoorprojects.com/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 professional life.

This episode is packed with insights on maintaining passion, creativity and resilience all while fostering team independence within the hospitality industry.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.vexdining.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_vex/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 maintains high standards in design and user experience.

Discover the importance of flexible rewards programs and cutting-edge marketing strategies in driving business growth.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://pay.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejameswalsh/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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 conversation dives into fostering winning environments and handling tough discussions, as well as offering practical advice on opening and managing venues, including project management, marketing, and structured meetings.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.grada.coffee/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.grada/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/