Principle of Hospitality

In part 2 of this episode of the Principle of Hospitality podcast, host Leon Kennedy continues his insightful conversation with Johnny Di Francesco, founder of the internationally renowned 400 Gradi.

Johnny dives deeper into how he's built effective systems for kitchen and floor operations, trained staff to deliver consistently authentic hospitality, and balanced his personal passion with tangible business success. They discuss the critical role of investing time and capital effectively, the transformative power of digital solutions in restaurant management and why structured checklists are essential for maintaining quality and consistency.

This episode explores how Johnny successfully scales his operations without compromising quality, highlighting his belief in continuous improvement, clear processes and a strong mission-driven approach.

Tune in for invaluable insights from one of the industry's most respected leaders.

Key topics include:

• Systemising kitchen and floor operations for consistent quality
• Effective training for authenticity and exceptional service
• Balancing passion with sustainable business success
• Smart investment of time and capital
• Leveraging digital solutions and tools in restaurant management
• The importance of structured systems and checklists

A must-listen for hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs seeking practical advice on scaling with integrity.

Please find our guest information here:

Website:

https://400gradi.com.au/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/johnny.di.francesco/

https://www.instagram.com/400gradi_au

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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

Ep 258 - Navigating the Hospitality Terrain: Innovation, Customer Experience, and Legacy with Maria Tsihlakis.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Maria Tsihlakis to the podcast. Maria's journey in the hospitality management realm has been nothing short of remarkable. Her innovative strategies, coupled with a deep-rooted passion for customer experience, have positioned her as a trailblazer in the field. With a wealth of experience and a penchant for fostering excellence, Maria's insights are a treasure trove for anyone looking to excel in the hospitality world.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• Maria's Journey: Hear Maria's captivating story of how she embarked on her hospitality career, and the pivotal moments that guided her path.
• Evolving Industry Trends: Discover Maria's take on the significant shifts within the hospitality industry and how these changes have influenced her approach.
• Innovation in Action: Get an exclusive peek into a time when Maria's innovative strategies propelled her company's success to new heights.
• Mastering Customer Experience: Uncover essential strategies and practices that are vital for creating exceptional customer experiences in the hospitality sector.
• Leaving a Legacy: Join us as we discuss Maria's lasting impact on the industry and the legacy she's building for future hospitality professionals.

Please find our guest information here:

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariatsihlakis/

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's hospitality management software has changed the game for hospitality performance in New Zealand, and they’ve just arrived in Australia to help you do the same. Their everything-in-one-place platform helps you master your reporting and inventory, simplify your recipe and menu management, reduce your cogs, and becomes an epic central hub that immediately puts you in control. We've seen Loaded’s impact first-hand, and if you’re running a bar, Pub, restaurant or cafe you need to reach out to the team. Check them out at loadedhub.com

Fine Food Australia returns this September to Sydney and will occupy the entire ICC Sydney – that’s 4 levels of Fine Food! Fine Food has been the leading trade event for all food —from retail to hospitality, manufacturing to bakery for nearly 4 decades Visiting Fine Food will be the recipe to fast-track your business for commercial success. Just a reminder that this is a free event to attend, so make sure you register at finefoodaustralia.com.au

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's hospitality management software has changed the game for hospitality performance in New Zealand, and they’ve just arrived in Australia to help you do the same. Their everything-in-one-place platform helps you master your reporting and inventory, simplify your recipe and menu management, reduce your cogs, and becomes an epic central hub that immediately puts you in control. We've seen Loaded’s impact first-hand, and if you’re running a bar, Pub, restaurant or cafe you need to reach out to the team. Check them out at loadedhub.com

Ep 239 - From Humble Beginnings to Household Name: The Chick-fil-A Story with Alex Seale, and Executive Director from Chick-fil-a

Today, we have a very special guest with us, someone who is behind one of North America’s most popular and beloved fast-food chains. Executive Director Alex Seale joins us from the brand Chick-fil-A. With a mission to serve delicious and high-quality food, Chick-fil-a has created a menu that is not only delicious but also packed with options for everyone, from sandwiches to salads and more. From their signature chicken sandwich to their line of sauces, Chick-fil-A has become a household name for nearly 80 years in the market. So, grab a bite and join us as we dive into the world of fast food with Alex Seale from Chick-fil-A.

In this podcast we discuss:

-Alex shares their journey in the industry, from their beginnings to what they're doing now.

-Alex talks about what they enjoy about working with a big brand like Chick-fil-a.

-Discover his insights on the state of the US hospitality industry and whether it has improved in recent times.

-Hear what Alex is looking forward to for the Chick-fil-a brand this year.

Please find our guest information here:

Website: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/

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

Alex's Website: https://www.alexseale.com/

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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

Mentioned in this episode:

42 Days Free Discovery Session

42 Days Ethos is to build solutions for hospitality businesses to retain and develop their team. We believe that the first 42 days, the first 6 weeks, of someone's employment in any industry, but especially the world of hospitality which is so competitive, fast-paced and intense. We have an opportunity to reshape that narrative. Our team has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, so we know what it takes to keep your team happy and engaged. We'll work with you every step of the way to create a plan that works best for your business.

42 Days

42 Days Free Discovery Session

42 Days Ethos is to build solutions for hospitality businesses to retain and develop their team. We believe that the first 42 days, the first 6 weeks, of someone's employment in any industry, but especially the world of hospitality which is so competitive, fast-paced and intense. We have an opportunity to reshape that narrative. Our team has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, so we know what it takes to keep your team happy and engaged. We'll work with you every step of the way to create a plan that works best for your business.

42 Days

Episode 139 - How to deliver a better and sustainable industry with Kirsty Chiaplias from Babajan

Babajan is a respectful term for an elderly, kind man and is the result of this desire is something our next guest and Middle Eastern speciality chef Kirsty Chaipilas hasn’t looked back since the café opened in 2016 on Nicholson Street in Carlton North.

Kirsty has a Greek background and more than 20 years of experience in professional kitchens, including working for Gordon Ramsay, so I am delighted to talk with her today with what I know is one of the most inspirational and leading cafe, bakery and fresh-food general stores in the country.

In this podcast we chat about how the changes she made has made a sustainable business, the power of hospitality in her community, and the challenges around employing and skilling our chefs, cooks and greater staff. We are very open and honest in this podcast and appreciate Kirsty's rawness and humility, she is an absolute gun!

Please check out Babajan here: https://www.babajan.com.au/

Please follow us here at POH as well: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

Ep 214 - CEO of LaManna Patrick LaManna as we discuss the future for a loved family food brand

LaManna is an Australian Family Owned and Operated business, based at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne

It sits at Hangar 89 in a 10,000 sqm food shopping emporium that is without a doubt, one of the best food retail experiences in Australia.

As we will learn today, Lamanna is a third-generation family business, with humble beginnings, that has been thoughtfully positioned into the leader in food retail. Today we will learn about the journey of LaManna, an upcoming recruitment weekend, and it’s plans for the future, so it’s a privilege to sit down with the CEO Patrick LaManna on this week’s podcast.

In this podcast we discuss:

-What is the history of LaManna Supermarket brand in Victoria is.

-How Patrick started out in the business and became the CEO.

-What the great things are about running a family business like LaManna.

-Why the business focuses so much on having hospitality as the cornerstone of the retail experience.

-The LaManna recruitment weekend on the 5th and 6th of November, and why it is important for the business.

-What plans the group has in the next 12-24 months and how are they are planning to change an already fantastic food retail experience.

Please find our guest information here:

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

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

Recruitment Booking Link: https://calendly.com/d/d2b-8t8-2qr

Please find us here at POH:

Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Brand Strategy Session with Principle Design

Principle Design is making brands happen in cafes, restaurants, bars, and venues by crafting experiences that give customers a reason to choose you. They can help you deliver memorable culinary experiences through innovative design and authentic brand storytelling. If your operation is in need of branding, a website, menu, coaster, uniform, signage or packaging design or even social media services, then Principle Design is your next contact. For a limited time only, Principle Design is offering the POH community free brand strategy sessions! Visit our bio for more information.

Free Brand Strategy Session with Principle Design

Principle Design is making brands happen in cafes, restaurants, bars, and venues by crafting experiences that give customers a reason to choose you. They can help you deliver memorable culinary experiences through innovative design and authentic brand storytelling. If your operation is in need of branding, a website, menu, coaster, uniform, signage or packaging design or even social media services, then Principle Design is your next contact. For a limited time only, Principle Design is offering the POH community free brand strategy sessions! Visit our bio for more information.