One of the most exciting parts of watching Olympic swimmers race is seeing the “underdogs” come from behind and win. Knowing they have one last chance, these athletes harness every bit of their strength, move steadily to the front of the pack, and finish first in a dramatic moment. ...read more
Miranda's hottest restaurant was humming with the usual lunchtime chaos, but a silent war raged beneath the clatter of plates and sizzle of grills. Jon, the head chef and culinary maestro, was locked in a bitter battle against his nemesis – the ancient, wheezing convection oven that churned out culinary chaos. Dry roasts, soggy soufflés, and bread with the texture of a disappointed sigh were his unwelcome reality. ...read more
If you’re trying to figure out when and how to market your restaurant, wouldn’t it be handy to know when and how diners are making restaurant reservations? A generation ago, when the process consisted of a host answering the phone and jotting down the reservation for 7:30 in the reservation book, there was little solid data to draw on from the restaurant itself, never mind from the whole industry. ...read more
Imagine Wayne Panini, a dedicated cafe owner in Warriewood, Sydney, grappling with the hustle and bustle of a busy bakery cafe. With his hands full, managing staff turnover and juggling family responsibilities, Wayne faces a critical challenge: his current kitchen equipment just can't keep up. Customers are frequently left waiting for their food to be warmed up, leading to long queues and frustration. ...read more
Have you had enough of the constant concern our industry is required to have for the sentiments of Baby Boomers and Millennials? Take it from this Generation Xer, we are all with you. We “Letter Gen’ers” (Gen Xers and Gen Zers) think they get too much attention, too. And now with the whole “OK, Boomer” meme trend, we are feeling even more ineffectual. ...read more
Jose Griffin, a passionate and hardworking restaurant owner in Coogee, Sydney, knows the importance of keeping his customers happy. His restaurant and bar, a popular spot especially in summer, always buzzes with patrons enjoying the sea breeze and chilled drinks. However, one scorching summer day, Jose faces every restaurant owner's nightmare – he's running out of ice. ...read more
I have been asking many leaders in the hospitality industry this one question: “What is the most important thing for chefs in a kitchen”? Repeatedly the answer I get back is communication. Most kitchens lack this, or the chef has an inability to ...read more
The Problem: Wayne Petit is a dedicated baker in Sydney, running a bustling bakery in Five Dock. Every morning, his bakery comes alive with the aroma of fresh bread. But there's a hitch - getting every roll perfectly even. It's a dance of precision and skill, but sometimes, the rhythm falters. ...read more
In the highly competitive restaurant industry, where profit margins are often razor-thin, every penny saved and every green initiative adopted can have a profound impact on the bottom line. ...read more
Meet Jimmy Somsak: A Thai Chef with a Problem Imagine you're Jimmy Somsak, a 43-year-old Thai restaurant owner in Dee Why, Sydney. Your restaurant buzzes with activity, your staff dart around the tight kitchen, and the air is filled with tantalising aromas. ...read more