Principle of Hospitality

• Ep 296 – Building a Bagel Empire: Inside Benjamin Vaughan’s, Mile End Journey

  In this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Vaughan, CEO and Co-Founder of Mile End Bagels, to unpack the story behind one of Melbourne’s most beloved bagel institutions.Ben shares his journey from launching a crepe stall at Melbourne Uni with a $5,000 credit card to building a cult-followed brand known for its Montreal-style bagels, strong culture, and unwavering commitment to quality.We dive into the realities of running and scaling a hospitality business, understanding your numbers, building a dedicated team, crafting a standout product, and navigating growth with intention. Ben also shares insights into Mile End’s menu development, customer experience philosophy, and his plans to expand into Sydney and Brisbane.A warm, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and what it truly takes to build a brand that lasts.Guest info:mile-end.com.au / @mile_end_bagelsConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesignA big thank you to Pay.com.au for sponsoring this episode and for their continued support of Australia’s hospitality industry.Pay.com.au, is a payment platform that rewards your business for doing what it already does every day: paying suppliers, rent, utilities and more. Learn more at Pay.com.au, today!Mentioned in this episode:Pay.com.au

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• Ep 295 – Redefining Indian Cuisine: Inside Jessi Singh's Global Ventures

  In this episode, host Renee Buckingham chats with Jessi Singh, the creative force redefining Indian dining through his bold and ‘unauthentic’ approach to cuisine. From Melbourne to Miami, Jessi has built an empire of vibrant, personality-filled restaurants, including Babu Ji, Daughter in Law, and Bibi Ji, each celebrating flavour, colour, and culture in their own way.They unpack his journey from India to the world stage, exploring the evolution of Indian food, the contrasts between Australian and American hospitality, and what it really takes to build a lasting legacy in this ever-changing industry.Guest info:@jesssi_singhConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesignA big thank you to Pay.com.au for sponsoring this episode and for their continued support of Australia’s hospitality industry.Pay.com.au, is a payment platform that rewards your business for doing what it already does every day: paying suppliers, rent, utilities and more. Learn more at Pay.com.au, today!Mentioned in this episode:Pay.com.au

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• Ep 294 - Beyond Pizza & Booze: Building a Legacy with Dan Leuzzi & Tom Guirioli

  In this episode, POH Host, Renee Buckingham, engages in an insightful conversation with Tom Guirioli and Dan Leuzzi, co-owners of the infamous Freddy's - 'Your friendly neighbourhood pizzeria' located in Windsor and creators of Tommy's Booze - Italian Liqueurs & Tinnies Made In Melbourne.Tom and Dan discuss their individual journeys into the hospitality industry, their meeting and the inception of Freddy's. They highlight the challenges and successes they've experienced, touching on the importance of building the right team and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. They also explore the development of Tommy's, from a family recipe to a commercial product now featured in Coles' first-choice stores nationwide. The conversation delves into the impact of social media, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and their approach to mental health in the industry. Lastly, they reflect on their inspirations and the evolving landscape of hospitality.Please find our guest information here:Website: freddyspizza.com.au& tommysbooze.com.auInstagram: @_freddys & @tommys_boozePlease find us here at POH:Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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• Ep 294 - Legendary Pizza Craft & Business Philosophy with Johnny Di Francesco (part 2)

  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 qualityEffective training for authenticity and exceptional serviceBalancing passion with sustainable business successSmart investment of time and capitalLeveraging digital solutions and tools in restaurant managementThe importance of structured systems and checklistsA 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_auPlease find us here at POH:Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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• Ep 293 - Legendary Pizza Craft & Business Philosophy with Johnny Di Francesco (part 1)

  In this episode (part 1) of the Principle of Hospitality podcast, host Leon Kennedy engages in a comprehensive discussion with Johnny Di Francesco, the founder of 400 Gradi, renowned for his world-class Neapolitan pizza. Johnny shares his unique journey starting at the age of 12, driven by the need to support his family, through to becoming an influential figure in the hospitality industry. The conversation delves deep into the principles that drive Johnny, including innovation, independence, and responsibility. Johnny discusses the technicalities of perfecting pizza dough, the importance of systematisation in business, plus future ambitions like slowing down to speed up further growth and enhancing the Gradi brand experience. Throughout, Johnny's insights highlight the critical balance of maintaining quality while scaling operations, emphasising the significance of a strong mission and continuous improvement.Looking for Part 2? Tune in on Monday 21st April at 5:00 PM!Please find our guest information here:Website: https://400gradi.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnny.di.francesco/https://www.instagram.com/400gradi_auPlease find us here at POH:Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

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