This podcast episode elucidates the journey of a small business owner who has successfully established a vibrant venue within the hospitality sector.

Alex Gavioli is a very experienced and successful owner of two of the best venues in Melbourne: Don's in Prahran & Cordelia in Carlton.

Alex shares insights on how his initial vision for the venue evolved into a thriving community hub that resonates with both younger and older generations alike. Furthermore, we delve into the significance of fostering a positive work culture and the necessity of ensuring safety and inclusivity within the hospitality environment.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, contemplating the future of the industry and the importance of genuine connection among all stakeholders.

Takeaways:

• The discussion elucidates the significant challenges inherent in cafe hospitality, which demands high service expectations at early hours.
• The podcast highlights the importance of adaptability within the hospitality sector, particularly with respect to menu offerings and staff dynamics.
• A salient point raised pertains to the critical nature of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees in the hospitality industry.
• The speakers emphasise the impact of social media on venue visibility and the necessity of maintaining an authentic customer experience.
• The conversation underscores the evolving nature of customer expectations and the vital role of leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Lastly, the episode reflects on the necessity of continuous innovation to remain relevant in the competitive landscape of hospitality.

Summary

In this episode of the Ingredients Podcast, host Shaun de Vries speaks with Alexis Besseau, executive chef of La Louisiane in Adelaide.

Alexis shares his remarkable culinary journey, from his childhood in France through various international experiences to his ultimate settling in Australia.

The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship, the challenges of building a cohesive kitchen team, and the innovative strategies employed during the pandemic to adapt to changing circumstances.

Alexis emphasises the significance of creating a unique dining experience and the continuous pursuit of improvement in both personal and professional realms.

Takeaways

• Alexis started cooking at a young age, influenced by family.
• He travelled extensively to learn from top chefs around the world.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in his development as a chef.
• Cultural differences impact culinary practices and team dynamics.
• The pandemic forced restaurants to innovate and adapt their services.
• Focusing on customer experience is key to restaurant success.
• Building a strong team requires prioritising attitude over experience.
• Alexis aims to create a relaxed yet refined dining atmosphere.
• He believes in continuous improvement for himself and his staff.
• Future aspirations include opening another restaurant in Adelaide.

Brands we spoke about on the podcast:

⁠Tanda Website⁠

⁠Tanda Email⁠

⁠La Louisiane Website⁠

⁠Alexis Besseau Instagram⁠

⁠Open Pantry Co's Linktree⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Matt Hill discusses the intricacies of hospitality marketing, emphasising the importance of authenticity, the evolution of influencer marketing, and the integration of traditional and digital strategies.

He highlights the need for businesses to understand their unique voice and the significance of regular strategy reviews to stay competitive in the ever-evolving market. Matt also shares insights on emerging trends in the industry and the importance of investing in marketing strategies that resonate with customers.

Key Takeaways

• Hospitality venues often seek help when issues arise, rather than proactively.
• Authenticity in marketing is crucial for effective engagement.
• Understanding your unique brand voice is essential for differentiation.
• Regularly reviewing marketing strategies is vital for success.
• Combining traditional and digital marketing can enhance overall effectiveness.
• Investing in a solid marketing strategy up front pays off in the long run.
• Engaging an external consultant can provide valuable insights and accountability.
• The hospitality industry is highly competitive, requiring constant adaptation.
• Successful brands own their identity and communicate it clearly.
• Emerging trends in hospitality focus on authenticity and unique customer experiences.

Links to our guest:

Matt Hill: LinkedIn

Digital + Marketing: Website

Links for 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

Adam de Vries owns and runs The Postcode, a café inside Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane. In this episode, we dive into what it means to deliver comfort, connection, and care through hospitality in a setting where people are often stressed or grieving. Adam shares how simple, thoughtful food and genuine service can bring a sense of calm and community when it's needed most.

Takeaways:

– Hospital cafés aren’t just about food, they’re a place of refuge for families and staff.

– Great service can make a hard day feel just a little easier.

– Menus that focus on comfort and simplicity resonate most.

– The Postcode has become a small but meaningful hub of the community.

– Staying connected to locals is a big part of what drives Adam’s vision.

Find out more about The Postcode here: Link

Every way to get in touch with us

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

In this episode of The Ingredients, I’m joined by Yanan Zhou, the powerhouse General Manager behind Melbourne’s beloved Oriental Tea House. Yanan’s career began in hospitality as a teenager, and over the years, she’s moved through a variety of roles that have given her a deep, hands-on understanding of what makes a venue thrive. Today, she oversees multiple sites and continues to champion the belief that hospitality will never die — no matter the challenges it faces.

We dive into how she balances the operations of several venues while making sure each one keeps its own unique character, rather than blending into a “one size fits all” approach. Yanan also reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic as a moment that forced the industry to pause, take stock, and rebuild — exposing weaknesses but also unlocking opportunities for fresh ideas and stronger systems.

Our conversation covers everything from the importance of effective communication and structured team meetings to adapting marketing strategies for today’s fast-moving social media landscape. Yanan shares her insights on what it takes to keep teams engaged, customers coming back, and a business growing even in tough conditions.

At its heart, this episode is about resilience and a reminder that the experiences, connections, and memories created in hospitality venues can never be replaced.

Link to Oriental Tea House:

Website: Link

Instagram: 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

This podcast episode elucidates the journey of a small business owner who has successfully established a vibrant venue within the hospitality sector.

Alex Gavioli is a very experienced and successful owner of two of the best venues in Melbourne: Don's in Prahran & Cordelia in Carlton.

Alex shares insights on how his initial vision for the venue evolved into a thriving community hub that resonates with both younger and older generations alike. Furthermore, we delve into the significance of fostering a positive work culture and the necessity of ensuring safety and inclusivity within the hospitality environment.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, contemplating the future of the industry and the importance of genuine connection among all stakeholders.

Takeaways:

• The discussion elucidates the significant challenges inherent in cafe hospitality, which demands high service expectations at early hours.
• The podcast highlights the importance of adaptability within the hospitality sector, particularly with respect to menu offerings and staff dynamics.
• A salient point raised pertains to the critical nature of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees in the hospitality industry.
• The speakers emphasise the impact of social media on venue visibility and the necessity of maintaining an authentic customer experience.
• The conversation underscores the evolving nature of customer expectations and the vital role of leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Lastly, the episode reflects on the necessity of continuous innovation to remain relevant in the competitive landscape of hospitality.

Find out all about Open Pantry Co. on the link here