On this week's Restaurant Association of New Zealand podcast, we are joined by Shane, the founder of Somethin Dumplin. Shane talks about his journey as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry and his vision for the future of his business. He also shares where the idea for Somethin Dumplin came from and some tips for managing a business and the realities of social media.

In this episode of Tales from the Pass Maggie Gray, host of the Food Truck podcast and co-founder of the Auckland Food Truck Collective, shares her inspiring journey from running a single food truck to building a thriving community of mobile culinary entrepreneurs. Maggie dives into what it takes to succeed in the food truck business, from crafting a simple yet impactful menu to leveraging social media and building a loyal customer base. Discover her top tips for navigating challenges, fostering sustainability, and creating unforgettable food experiences. Whether you're a budding food truck owner or a fan of Auckland's vibrant food scene, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of good working conditions in the hospitality industry and how they can improve the overall service and experience for customers. We also talk about the role of technology in hospitality and the balance between using it to enhance service without losing the personal touch. Additionally, we touch on the topic of staff training and the importance of creating buy-in and engaging employees in their own development.

This podcast episode features Alex George, the owner of Peaches Hot Chicken in Auckland, New Zealand. Alex shares his story of how he got started in the hospitality industry, how he came up with the idea for his popular Nashville hot chicken food truck, and the struggles and successes he faced along the way to opening his own restaurant. He also gives advice on how to take risks and not get stuck in "analysis paralysis" when starting a business. We also explore how Peach's Hot Chicken has maintained consistent business, by providing quality food at a good price.

In this debut episode of season 2 *Tales from the Pass*, hosts Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, and Gerrick Newman, Director of Millé, take listeners on a journey into the heart of hospitality. They share their personal stories of entering the industry, the lessons they've learned, and what makes hospitality a crucial part of our communities.

From the challenges of running a café to the fine art of creating memorable customer experiences, Marissa and Gerrick provide insightful discussions on what it takes to succeed in the world of restaurants and cafes. They touch on the importance of mentorship, maintaining motivated teams, and balancing all the elements that contribute to a successful hospitality business. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, this episode will leave you inspired.

Stay tuned for exciting upcoming episodes featuring special guests, like Alex George from Peaches Hot Chicken, as they delve into topics like sustainability, design, and solutions to the industry's biggest challenges. Subscribe now and join us on this exciting new adventure!

Show produced by Sirpa Gunn & Michael Todd with support for the Hospitality Training Trust

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we delve into the profound changes reshaping the hospitality landscape in the wake of COVID-19. "Navigating the New Normal: The Suburban Shift in Hospitality Post-COVID" brings together a panel of renowned industry experts to dissect the burgeoning trend of suburban hospitality. We explore why more and more travelers are opting for suburban experiences, steering away from the bustling city centers.

Our discussion illuminates the advantages of this shift, highlighting the allure of reduced congestion, cost-effectiveness, and the embrace of local culture and eco-friendly tourism. But it's not without its challenges. We also tackle the pressing issues facing suburban hospitality, such as infrastructure demands, the need for innovative transit solutions, and the delicate act of preserving local charm while accommodating an increasing number of visitors.

Join us as we offer insights for hospitality professionals on leveraging this trend to craft unforgettable experiences for guests. Whether you're an industry veteran or just passionate about travel and hospitality, "Navigating the New Normal" provides valuable perspectives on shaping the future of suburban hospitality in a post-pandemic era. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and engage in the conversation about rethinking our approach to travel and accommodation beyond the city limits.

Join us backstage with the pannel from our The End of Veganism. We discuss sustainably in more depth along with a host of other topics.

Gerrick Newman from Millé is here to talk with us today about renovating your restaurant on a budget.

We chat about QR codes, self-ordering screens, and machine-readable menus make it easier for customers to order and checkout without interaction from restaurant staff.  He speaks about how to design your Stuff to fit your brand, target market, and budget, and keep an eye on areas like furniture and joinery to avoid overspending. QR codes are great for customer service when executed well, but they can't replace service altogether. Designing with technology in mind can help make the experience more convenient for repeat customers and create a more efficient business.