Hospitality Mavericks Podcast

Edd Heller joined the hospitality industry late in life – just six years ago. Since then he’s proven to be a real maverick by running the Ethicurean Guild, which cooks delicious food from small farms and producers in other peoples kitchens across Brighton. Since the pandemic Edd and his team have cooked 100,000 meals to those in need – from the homeless to NHS frontline workers.I’m super excited to have Edd Heller, Founder of The Ethicurean Guild, join me today. We uncover VAT in hospitality, the Eat Out To Help Out scheme impacting independents, and the four day work weeks for all his employees. As you’ll notice, it’s the first face-to-face interview since the outbreak so enjoy the ambience!Links:@EthicureanEdd: https://twitter.com/EthicureanEdd@EthicureanGuild: https://twitter.com/EthicureanGuildThe Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), Brighton: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/housing/homelessness-and-rough-sleepers/how-we-help-rough-sleepers-cityThe Prince George: http://www.princegeorge.pub/

In this episode, Michael talks with experienced operator and tech CEO Dan Brookman of Airship & Toggle. Two platforms that enable operators to engage customers by generating pre-sold revenue and recency and frequency of visit. They work with great brands like Boston Tea Party, Roadchef, Leon, Revolution Bars, Byron & Turtle BayDan has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated venues in his 20’s.Dan gives an overview on how the pandemic impacted them as a business, and what they have been doing to help operators grow sales as well as being compliant during the pandemic.We also talk about what his view is when it comes to the future of food and drink and what role technology has in the new now.Dan gives a lot of great and practical advice which can be implemented to boost your business performance.  Coming Back Stronger is brought to you by the wonderful people at Vita Mojo - the digital partners for ambitious operators, helping Leon, Yo! Sushi, Boston

There’s a story behind every business, and it’s an area a lot of us neglect to fully communicate with our consumer. So how do we best tell our story? To find out, I catch up with Mark Smith, Founder and Lead Strategist of Double Up Social, an award-winning social strategy and content creation studio. We explore brands that have succeeded with their digital marketing. Tune in to learn more about the role of emotion, how digital marketing has evolved, and where to start with your strategy today.Double Up Social produces effective social media strategies and content pieces, for brands like Kelloggs, Chicken Cottage, and Fine Food Specialist.Links:Double Up Social: https://www.doubleupsocial.com/Mark Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doubleupmarksmith/ Boston Tea Party’s Beekeeper Suits: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUHjKSnNML/Manju's: http://manjus.co.uk/Innocent Smoothies: https://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/#29: Enriching Lives With Mowgli's Nisha Katona: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podc

The hotel industry has faced a big shake up since the outbreak. Now two months after reopening, MD of Dominion Hospitality Drew Brown joins the show to share how technology has helped drive behavioural change for the regional hotel business. As we enter autumn, we look to see what a successful transition looks like. Join us as we discuss the staycation trend, managing people from their homes and partnership opportunities.Dominion Hospitality owns 24 hotels and inns across the south of England. Drew joined the business in 2018 after working with The Bannatyne Group, Whitbread, Travelodge and Thistle Hotels.Links:Drew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-brown-04030316/ Dominion Hospitality: https://www.dominionhospitality.co.uk/#28: Operational Challenges on a Small Island With Benjamin Heath: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/4b3f6074/28-operational-challenges-on-a-small-island-with-benjamin-heathThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https

Back by popular demand, Zoey Henderson has worked closely with hospitality brands to be healthier and more sustainable. During lockdown, she launched her own low alcohol beer Fungtn. I caught up with Zoey to learn more about how she came to produce such a drink that is hoppy, textured – and made from mushrooms. The pandemic has made us address our own personal health, and as hospitality business owners it’s our duty to serve healthy, sustainable food and drink. Things look promising: the no alcohol market is growing exponentially, with 58% growth from 2018 - 2019 in the UK alone. Let’s continue to create this new system for positive wellness, mental health and diet. Tune in as we cover her plans to serve the UK and Scandinavia, the no to low alcohol market, and how such a menu can boost drinks sales.Links mentioned:#50 Time for a system change with Zoey Henderson: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/19a95d25/50-time-for-a-system-change-with-zoey-hendersonFungtn: https://www.fungtn.com/&n

With a background in theatre and acting, today’s guest Tom Lionetti-Maguire fell in love with the immersive piece. In 2013 he launched Little Lion Entertainment, and operates the likes of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. Their mission is to provide live entertainment where the audience is at the heart of it.With the social industry crashing to an abrupt halt this spring, we find out how Tom navigated through this period. We explore why immersive experiences open to wider audiences, the need to model on small numbers, and what Tom is optimistic about.Links:The Crystal Maze: https://the-crystal-maze.com/Little Lion Entertainment: https://littlelionentertainment.com/#66 Being an investor during a pandemic with Ali Aneizi: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/345cf40a/66-being-an-investor-during-a-pandemic-with-ali-aneizi #44 Setting a New Standard for Hospitality Experiences with Matt Grech-Smith: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/405ceff8/44-setting-a-new-standard-for-ho

We don’t have the answers yet, but we need to ask the right questions in order to navigate through the pandemic. What’s clear is that the hospitality business model of low profit margins needs to change. Today’s special episode is from a webinar Michael had the pleasure of being on with Rob Liddiard, Founder of Yapster, and chaired by Matt Coulthard from Bizimply. They talked about operation transformation, product market fit, the solutions with the rental market and how to serve both your customers and employees. Links:Yapster: https://www.yapster.info/Bizimply: https://www.bizimply.com/Bear KitchenComing Back Stronger Episode 7 with Paul HookerDirty SixthComing Back Stronger Episode 8 with Patrick GrayCommandos & Crisis Communications Webinar with Scottie Mills and Ollie HumphriesLoungers IPO ProspectusThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

We’re going to take a different view of the hospitality industry today – through the eyes of investment. Today’s guest is Ali Aneizi, a M+A and Private Equity specialist, and founder of Tamweel Capital – an investment advisory boutique focussed on brand led consumer facing businesses.As the industry is going through an intense period of natural selection, we explore what future successful operators need to look like. Tune in to learn more about changing consumer behaviours, re-setting the landlord and tenant relationship, and delivering multi-channel offerings. Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alianeizi/#46 The Importance of Net Profit with Charlie McVeigh: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/fa4d2ff8/46-the-importance-of-net-profit-with-charlie-mcveigh #44 Setting a New Standard for Hospitality Experiences with Matt Grech-Smith: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/405ceff8/44-setting-a-new-standard-for-hospitality-experiences-with-matt-grech-smith Tamweel Cap

What do successful leaders look like over the next few months? To get to the heart of this, Michael catches up with leadership expert Caitlyn O'Loughlin to dissect how most often it’s the simple things that stick. As Leadership Trainer at LifeLabs Learning, she’s seen first-hand that people-first companies are succeeding during the pandemic. Tune in to learn more about their learning-approach, what are tipping point skills and dealing with mental health as leaders.LifeLabs Learning has worked with over 700 companies, including Lyft and TED, to help them grow and scale through training and workshops. Links:‘The One Minute Manager’ by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard-Ph-D/dp/074350917X ‘Thanks for the Feedback’ by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Feedback-Science-Receiving-Well/dp/0670014664 WorkLife with Adam Grant: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer: https://www.amazon.c

As Victoria, Australia is in its second week of its second lockdown, Michael catches up with hospitality expert Shaun de Vries to see his current outlook of the hospitality industry. With over 23 years experience in hospitality, he’s a true student of the industry. He’s currently the founder and director of Open Pantry Co. and host of The Open Pantry Podcast. Join us as we explore having a reality check with your business, what he’d like to see the industry take shape in the future, and what positives have developed rapidly over the past four months.Links:https://www.openpantryconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-de-vries-80bbb685/Surviving The Shit Storm Episode 6 with Ivan Brewer: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/1e3d2a1e/surviving-the-shit-storm-episode-6-with-ivan-brewerEpisode 63 with Josh Koppal: https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/podcast/episode/27f9ad9f/63-setting-yourself-a-long-term-mindset-with-joshua-kopel Episode 62 with Dr Vikki Barnes: https://www.hos

Facing repeat openings and closings in LA, it’s been a tough time for so many restaurant owners. But it’s given today’s guest some serious thinking time about the kind of life he wants to live. For too long, the hospitality industry has been running on long hours, low-profit margins and constant competition. It’s time to change the business model for this industry.Joshua Kopel is an entrepreneur, Michelin-rated restaurateur and podcast host. He founded FLO, a restaurant growth accelerator, to help restaurants optimize their business and dramatically grow sales. Tune in to learn more about the infinite mindset, what opportunities have come out of Covid-19, and living a more balanced life.Links:Full Comp Podcast: https://justcallflo.com/fullcompInterview with Gino Wickman: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-entrepreneurial-leap-gino-wickman-bestselling/id1506823506Flo: https://justcallflo.com/‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996‘Traction

In this episode, Michael has Head of Operations for The Athenian Patrick Gray as a guest. Patrick has a lifetime of experience from many great brands like Bill's Restaurants, Boston Tea Party and many more.The Athenian was born out of love for Greek food. They launched at the business at the end of 2014, as a small street food venture offering freshly made souvlaki prepared in the healthiest, most authentic way possible. And as you will here they have moved very fast since especially in the pandemic.Patrick talks about how they have approached the journey through the pandemic, ensuring that their people are safe as well as future proof the business. He also tells how they have made brave moves to expand number sites rapidly during the lockdown and what their plans are.This conversation with Patrick gives you hope and belief that the industry can rise and become great again!Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-g-4a49bb92/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-athenian/https://www.instagram.com/theathenianuk

Following months of being on “soldier mode”, we’ve all experienced overwhelm during the Covid-19 crisis. Now more than ever we need to be taking care of ourselves. Michael catches up with clinical psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes – a true expert in positive psychology. She is the Founder of Positive Wellbeing, a consultancy which supports the mental health of organisations and their people. Vikki has also worked with the NHS and Virgin, in clinical and strategic roles.Tune in as we explore Positive Leadership, using mental health language at work, how to switch off as leaders – and Vikki’s experience of meeting Richard Branson on Necker Island.Links:Positive Wellbeing: https://www.drvikkibarnes.com/https://twitter.com/DrVikkiBarneshttps://www.instagram.com/drvikkibarnes/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvikkibarnes/https://www.hospitalitymavericks.com/Last Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Peh9Yqf1GXc‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho‘Braving The Wilderness’ by Brene BrownThis podcast uses the following third-

In this episode, Michael talks with Amy Ogden. Amy is based in New York City and matches world-class hospitality brands of all sizes with best-in-class agency partners in the areas of digital marketing, web, SEO, paid search, PR, social media, branding and more. Amy gives us an overview of what’s happening in the New York hospitality market, including events of the last 3 months in lockdown, and how they are managing re-opening.Amy and Michael talk about the importance of purposeful storytelling in the time of crisis.She also tells us about her chance meeting (and selfie) with Danny Meyer in one of his restaurants, and what she learned from that conversation.Amy give some stellar advice during the podcast - when it comes to setting standards as a brand and much more.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we have Operations Director Paul Hooker from Boston Tea Party as a guest. The Boston Tea Party is a purpose-driven cafe operator with 24 units across the South-West of England. Paul has more than 20 years of experience in the industry working with some great national brands. Paul and Michael talked about their approach, principles and mindset to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Paul really underlines that their long term purpose as an organisation of Making Things Better for people, community and planet is at the forefront when difficult decisions have to be made.They also talked about how digital transformation is changing and optimising their operations. They are not only digitalising the customer journey but also the employee journey to ensure a safe and productive environment for employees and customers.Lots of great nuggets in here on how to get ready for bouncing back.Takeaways:The power of leading with purpose and clear principles - especially in difficult timesHow to put people,

In the episode, Michael have a great friend and colleague of his as a guest.Michael knew it would be an out of the box experience, and as you will hear very different than a normal podcast conversation.Martin is the founder YourBigPic a consultancy that helps teams to connect the dots of the bigger picture of so they in a fast and fun way can spot their challenges and opportunities. With colleagues at the centre, they are specialists in connecting People to the success of the business with their amazing Programmes, Workshops and Kits.We talked about the challenges leaders are in right now and the uncertain future they are heading towards and the importance of engaging their teams in helping to solve these challenges.Grab a coffee, pencil, your notebook, a piece of A4 paper if you want to participate in our little exercise during the interview - you might learn something new about your team or business. If you like this check out the weekly webinars that Martin runs collaborating around a big-hitting enga

In this episode, Michael talks with Joshua Jarvis the Co-founder of Wing Shack Co - a QSR concept with 3 units from London. They talked about how the pandemic has impacted Wing Shack Co and how they quickly transformed into delivery and click and collect model. Joshua gives some great advice on how to adjust and simplify your menu, and how to focus on kitchen capacity as you are preparing for the new normal. He also talks about the importance of developing a number of new revenue streams while you have the time.There is also some great advice from Joshua on how to keep yourself in the right mindset and energy levels as a business owner in these challenging times.Takeaways:Getting your menu ready to delivery and to click and collect Understand how to utilise your kitchen capacityHow to develop more revenue streams How to get your mindset right and keep moving forwardLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-jarvis-2b82b6179/https://www.instagram.com/wingshackco/http://wingshackco.com/https://soft

In this episode, Michael will be talking with Davonne Reaves who is the founder of The Vonne Group in Atlanta - A co-author and hospitality consultancy specialising in travel market research, asset and operational management, and brand development for boutique hotels. She has extensive experience from operations, brand to asset management.We talked about how the pandemic has impacted the hotel market in the US, Davonne gives some great example on how the progressive hotel operators have pivoted during the crises, how the coming 12 to 18 months look for the general market.She also gives some great advice to young people how are now entering the job market and how she is keeping herself in a good palace mentally to manage this difficult period.Podcast edited by Let's Talk Video Production: https://letstalkvideoproduction.comLinks:https://www.thevonnegroup.com/https://twitter.com/thevonnegrouphttps://www.facebook.com/TheVonneGroup/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves/https://hotelownership.teachable.co

Coming Back Stronger is a special edition podcast series focusing on the way food and drinks businesses are bouncing back as the world slowly starts to re-open from COVID-19.We will especially share great stories on how progressive leaders are bouncing back from the pandemic by utilising the power of technology and delivery. By tuning into these conversations in the coming period you will be able to pick up great stories, insights and facts as well as best practices from industry experts, independent operators to national chains who all are setting a new standard for how to operate in the new normal.Vita Mojo and Hospitality Mavericks joined forces on this project due to we have shared beliefs on how tech plays a massive role in building companies that are good for people, communities and the planet.In this episode, Michael talks with Yazz Abdulla CEO and Founder of Urban Hospitality. A consultancy business that has been focusing on delivering dark kitchen projects over the last couple of years. Yaz

In this episode, we talk with Scott Erwin Founder and CEO of HIre Hand - a tech company that helps companies to staff more flexibly. Prior to Hire Hand Scott work with McKinsey specialising in workforce planning. We talked about how he has seen the pandemic evolve and how to bring staff back. Scott underlines that staffing flexible will become a core discipline to master as hospitality businesses re-opens.Scott gives some great advice at the end of the podcast - you are not in control - get a mentor to help you navigate the storm and have some optimism. Some great thinking about planning your future workforce in this episode.Podcast edited by Let's Talk Video Production: https://letstalkvideoproduction.comLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrerwin/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.hirehand.co.uk/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy