The Prep List

By Open Pantry Co.

Start your week with a sharper mindset and a better plan.

Hosted by Shaun de Vries from Open Pantry Co., The Prep List is your under 10-minute Monday hit of hospitality insights, made for venue owner... more

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FAQs about The Prep List:

How many episodes does The Prep List have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

The Prep List episodes:

November 23, 2025Episode 19: Reset Your Mindset for 2026
Summary
In this episode, Shaun emphasises the importance of preparing for the upcoming year in the hospitality industry. He discusses the need for operational tidying and financial reviews before the busy January period, highlighting key areas such as rostering, supplier reviews, menu costings, and staff management.
The conversation encourages operators to take proactive steps now to ensure a smoother transition into the new year, ultimately leading to greater success and reduced stress.
Key takeaways
Start your year with a clear mindset and strategy.
Focus on small operational resets to avoid stress later.
Review rostering templates to prepare for staff changes.
Conduct regular supplier reviews to save costs.
Analyse menu costings to identify underperforming items.
Clean up tech systems to ensure accurate data.
Establish clear team structures and roles before January.
Engage your team in identifying operational friction points.
Momentum is key; start the process now.
Seek professional help for strategy cleanups and recruitment.

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
Termina: Website
How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Email us: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
November 16, 2025Episode 18: Transforming Hospitality Through Employee Wellness
Summary
In this episode, Shaun discusses the critical role of wellness in the hospitality industry, emphasising its impact on employee retention, service quality, and overall operational success.
He presents a compelling case for why wellness should be viewed as a strategic priority rather than a luxury, highlighting measurable ROI through reduced turnover and improved team dynamics.
Practical tools and strategies are shared to foster a culture of care and connection among staff, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and productive work environment.
Takeaways
Wellness is a measurable lever for improving culture.
A basic wellness program can significantly reduce turnover.
The cost of replacing staff is substantial in the hospitality industry.
Simple wellness practices can enhance team connection.
Asking the right questions can uncover practical solutions.
Wellness initiatives can lead to better customer interactions.
Operational strategies should prioritise employee well-being.
Small changes can have a big impact on team morale.
Positioning wellness in job ads attracts better candidates.
Leadership should focus on creating a supportive environment.

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Email Open Pantry Co: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
November 09, 2025Episode 17 - The Summer Shift : Preparing for Peak Season
Summary
In this episode of The Prep List, Shaun discusses the critical transition into summer operations for hospitality venues.
He emphasises the importance of early planning, effective team communication, and operational efficiency to ensure a successful summer season. Shaun shares insights on rethinking summer operations, simplifying menus, and fostering a supportive team environment. He highlights a success story from Harvest Hospitality, showcasing how intentional leadership and planning can lead to improved service and profitability.
The episode concludes with a reminder of the significance of preparation and team involvement in navigating the busy summer months.
Key Takeaways
Summer is a crucial time for hospitality venues.
Rethink operations early to avoid chaos later.
Simplifying menus can enhance service efficiency.
Effective communication is key to team success.
Regular team huddles can build confidence and calm.
Intentional leadership leads to better outcomes.
Planning for simplicity can prevent overwhelm.
Team input is valuable for operational improvements.
Summer can be a training opportunity if planned well.
Engagement with the team fosters motivation and consistency.

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Reach out to us via email: [email protected]
Listen to 'The Ingredients' Podcast here: Link
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
6min
November 02, 2025Episode 16 - The Power of the Pause
Summary:
In this episode of The Prep List, host Shaun deVries explores a crucial yet often overlooked concept in the hospitality industry: the power of the pause.
As the busiest time of the year approaches, Sean discusses how strategic breaks and smarter planning can strengthen venues, improve team morale, and enhance customer experiences.
Tune in to discover why trading fewer days and focusing on quality over quantity might be the key to thriving in a competitive market. Don't miss this insightful discussion on making mindful decisions that protect your long-term success.
Takeaways:
Strategic breaks can strengthen venues and improve team morale.
Trading fewer days can lead to higher-quality service and increased customer satisfaction.
Smart venues are focusing on quality over quantity during peak seasons.
Planning smarter breaks can help avoid burnout and maintain momentum.
Communicating closure dates early builds trust and reduces uncertainty.
A mindset shift from "staying open" to "trading well" can benefit the business.
Condensing trading hours and offering special menus can enhance customer experience.
Reviewing trading strategies can help you plan more effectively for busy seasons.
Choosing to pause strategically can lead to a refreshed team and loyal customers.
Making mindful decisions protects long-term success over short-term gains.

Brands mentioned in this podcast:
deputy.com
tanda.co
employmenthero.com

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Open Pantry Co. Email Address: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
October 26, 2025Episode 15 -Scaling Smart: Protect Your Concept
Summary
In this episode, Shaun shares insights on scaling a business smartly, focusing on maintaining the magic of the original venue while expanding.
He discusses the importance of systems, tech, and trust, and offers practical advice for operators looking to expand without losing their brand identity.
Takeaways
Scaling smart means protecting your concept before multiplying it.
Running a second site doubles the complexity, not the business.
Expansion brings freedom only if foundations are solid.
Check your tech stack before expanding to ensure systems communicate.
The best groups scale by protecting what made them great.
Systemise service rituals, brand details, and standards before expanding.
Non-negotiables must stay the same no matter how big you get.
Scaling smart is about keeping your identity intact as you grow.
Start with systems first, not site selection, when expanding.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
Restoke: Link
Loaded: Link
CTB AND CO: Link
Tanda: Link
Deputy: Link
Employment Hero: Link
Xero: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Open Pantry Co. email: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
October 19, 2025Episode 14 - Team Development: Growing your people
Summary
In this episode, Shaun discusses the critical importance of team development in the hospitality industry.
He emphasises that effective training and staff retention are interconnected, and highlights the need for integrated learning systems to facilitate ongoing employee development.
Shaun also encourages operators to view training as a revenue protection strategy rather than an expense, and shares practical tools and questions to foster a culture of continuous improvement within teams.
Takeaways
Most operators only start training when issues arise.
Staff retention and development are the same thing.
Fast food brands excel at training due to necessity.
Independent venues can adopt successful training practices.
Every role should have a clear onboarding path.
Training can be small, trackable milestones.
Integrated learning systems are the future of training.
Tech should enhance training, not replace it.
Training is a revenue protection strategy.
Focus on building capability among your team.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
Employment Hero: Link
Restoke: Link
Operandio: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Email us at Open Pantry Co: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
8min
October 12, 2025Episode 13 - Forecast Before You Flatline
Summary
In this episode, Shaun discusses the importance of financial awareness in the hospitality industry, emphasising the need for regular cash flow forecasting and the use of financial management tools.
He highlights the habits successful operators build around finance and encourages teams to develop a deeper understanding of their financial metrics.
Takeaways
The smartest operators forecast every month, sometimes weekly.
Most venues go broke due to cash flow issues, not unprofitability.
Tracking weekly revenue targets is crucial for financial health.
Building financial habits can help maintain cash positivity.
Regular financial reviews with the team are essential.
Understanding key financial metrics fosters team accountability.
Forecasting helps in planning for potential dips in revenue.
Micro habits in finance can lead to significant improvements.
Financial awareness should be a team-wide effort.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
Restoke: Link
Loaded: Link
CTB AND CO: Link
Tanda: Link
Deputy: Link
Employment Hero: Link
Xero: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Open Pantry Co. Email: Link
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
October 05, 2025Episode 12 - The plan when something goes wrong : Crisis management
Summary
In this episode, Shaun discusses the importance of crisis readiness in the hospitality industry. He emphasises that many venues neglect crisis planning until it's too late, leading to chaos during unexpected disruptions. Shaun shares practical tools, such as checklists and templates, to help operators prepare for various crises, from staff shortages to tech failures.
He emphasises the importance of having a calm and practised response to maintain customer trust and a positive reputation. The episode concludes with a call to action for operators to engage their teams in crisis planning exercises.
Key Takeaways
Crisis readiness is essential for hospitality venues.
Operators are increasingly implementing basic crisis plans.
Simple, usable plans are more effective than complicated manuals.
Customers judge the response to crises, not the crises themselves.
Building resilience in culture helps maintain a reputation.
Checklists and templates can streamline crisis management.
Practising crisis scenarios can reveal knowledge gaps.
Calm responses during crises can prevent chaos.
Crisis planning should be a regular part of operations.
It's not a matter of if something goes wrong, but when.

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
Open Pantry Co email: [email protected]
How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
September 28, 2025Episode 11 - Creating Job Ads That Don’t Suck: Level Up Your Hiring Game!
Summary
This week, we’re tackling the big kahuna: finding the right people for your team. Spoiler alert: if you don't have the right crew onboard, even the best brand can sink faster than a lead balloon! We’re chatting about how recruitment in hospitality has done a complete 180 in the last couple of years.
Forget relying solely on seekers and word-of-mouth; it’s time to cast your net wide and explore platforms like LinkedIn and even your own job boards! Plus, I’m serving up some super handy interview questions to help you sift through candidates like a pro, so you can snag the gems and not just the same ol’ fish!
Tune in, take notes, and let’s make your hiring game as strong as a double espresso!
Takeaways:
Talent acquisition is super crucial because the right team makes all the difference!
Recruitment trends in hospitality have shifted, so don’t just fish in the same pond!
Build structured interview questions that actually test skills instead of casual chit-chat.
Make your job ads reflect your brand voice to attract the right fit for your culture!
Check in with your team: Are we just filling gaps, or attracting the best candidates?
Use multiple platforms for recruiting and adapt your strategies to find the best talent!

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
seek.com.au
deputy.com
tanda.co
employmenthero.com
linkedin.com
harvesthospitality.com.au

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Email us for the free download in this episode: [email protected]
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min
September 21, 2025Episode 10 - Unlocking the Power of Location Intelligence
Summary
In this episode of The Prep List, Shaun discusses the importance of location intelligence in the hospitality industry. He emphasises the shift from relying solely on gut feelings to using data-driven decisions for site selection and evaluation. Shaun shares tools and strategies for conducting location audits, highlights real-world examples of operators who have successfully leveraged location data, and encourages listeners to maximize their current locations' potential.
Takeaways
Location intelligence is crucial for site selection.
Operators are now using data before signing leases.
Combining gut instinct with data leads to better decisions.
Regular location audits can save significant costs.
Tools like Google Analytics and ABS census data are valuable.
A location scorecard can help evaluate potential sites.
Real-world examples show the impact of location decisions.
Maximising location potential involves understanding local demographics.
A structured approach to location evaluation is essential.

Links to brands we talked about in this show:
GeoTech: Link
LocationIQ: Link
Link to our free location spreadsheet: Link
How to connect with Open Pantry Co.
Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link
Open Pantry Co. Website: Link
Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link
Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link
Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link
Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link
...more
7min

FAQs about The Prep List:

How many episodes does The Prep List have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.