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/

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 who began his culinary journey in London at 18. He shares his experiences from working in prestigious restaurants, discussing the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He delves into his methodological, almost scientific approach to cooking, influenced by high-efficiency kitchen environments in Europe. 

In this podcast, we discuss: 

- Aleksis's creative processes

- His journey through renowned kitchens like Dinner by Heston and Matilda

- Innovative chef techniques

- Plans for his new restaurant, MOLLI 

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.molliabbotsford.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molli.abbotsford/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Loaded

Now, if you feel like you can never get on top of your back-of-house ops, you’ll want to hear about our sponsor for this season - Loaded.

Loaded

Now, if you feel like you can never get on top of your back-of-house ops, you’ll want to hear about our sponsor for this season - Loaded.

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 West Point equivalent for chefs, he would be a two-time graduate. A pastry maestro who turns fine dining into art in tart shells, we are delighted to have Gareth Whitton, the founder of Tarts Anon. 

Tarts Anon was born out of a lockdown and rapidly gained a cult following for its amazing tarts. While many are familiar with the story of Tarts Anon, the intriguing personal journey of Gareth remains a tale that has yet to be told. Today, we're excited to not only delve into the inception of Taron but also explore Gareth's unique story.

In this podcast Leon discusses… 

-Kitchen Culture Shock - Hear about Gareth's first plunge into a high-pressure kitchen environment with its unique fashion and culture. A story that promises unexpected turns and an intense experience that will make you rethink your comfy shoes. 

-Pushing Boundaries - Learn about how Gareth relentlessly chased challenging situations, all in an attempt to absorb as much knowledge as he could. A tale of not just skill, but a test of endurance and ambition. 

-More Than a Glittering CV - Uncover the truth behind Gareth's illustrious resume. Hear about his motivation which wasn't about achieving a stellar CV but gaining invaluable culinary experience. A perspective that challenges the traditional notions of success. 

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.tartsanon.com.au/

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

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Principle Design Sustainable Packaging

You never know what’s around the corner when it comes to compliance in the hospitality industry. Luckily Principle Design are experts in sustainable packaging and can advise your cafe, restaurant or venue on the right choices without compromising on branding. You don’t have to sacrifice design that sells for packaging that fills the land.

Pay.com.au

Are you a business owner bogged down by cumbersome payment processes earning you no reward points, well Pay.com.au has got you covered. With their platform, you can process payments faster, easier, and with better rewards than ever before — earning points with every business payment.