Hospo Dojo Podcast

Paul Ayyash
  • 5.0 (3)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Hospo Dojo Podcast

Welcome to the Hospo Dojo Podcast, your ultimate resource for mastering the art of hospitality and optimising kitchen efficiency. Join your host, Paul, as he delves into the latest trends, tips, and insights from the world of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our episodes are packed with valuable information to help you elevate your business and enhance your culinary skills. Tune in every week for interviews with industry experts, practical advice, and much more.

Episodes

  1. The Untold Story of Chase Kojima: Success, Struggles, and Sushi

    21 JAN

    The Untold Story of Chase Kojima: Success, Struggles, and Sushi

    In this episode, we sit down with Chase Kojima, the chef behind iconic restaurants like Sokyo, Kiyomi, Chuuka, Simulation Senpai, Senpai Ramen, and Senpai Dojo —venues that once set the benchmark for modern Japanese dining in Australia before closing their doors. Chase shares his journey from mastering Japanese cookery under his father to taking a leap of faith in Australia, where he built a career blending Japanese tradition with modern cuisine. We talk about his early lessons at Nobu and the challenges of running high-pressure kitchens. This is one of the rawest, most authentic episodes we’ve ever recorded about resilience, reinvention, and what it takes to thrive in hospitality.

    1h 8m
  2. From Lockdown to Cult Pastry: The Rise of Tarts Anon

    20 JAN

    From Lockdown to Cult Pastry: The Rise of Tarts Anon

    In this episode, we sit down with Gareth Whitton, the chef-turned-pastry guru behind Melbourne’s Tarts Anon. From Michelin-star kitchens to the chaos of lockdown, Gareth turned a small idea into a big deal—crafting tarts that have taken the dessert world by storm. We’ll dive into his journey, the challenges of building a business during a pandemic, and his thoughts on balancing creativity, resilience, and good old-fashioned hard work. Whether you’re in hospitality or just love a good pastry story, this episode is for you.

    54 min
  3. How Peter Gunn is Revolutionizing Fine Dining with Ides in Melbourne

    11/12/2024

    How Peter Gunn is Revolutionizing Fine Dining with Ides in Melbourne

    In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we sit down with Peter Gunn, the culinary mastermind behind Melbourne’s acclaimed restaurant, Ides. Known for his innovative approach to modern Australian cuisine, Peter shares his journey from working with some of the world’s top chefs to establishing a venue that reflects his unique vision. We discuss the challenges of running a fine-dining establishment, the creative process behind crafting unforgettable dishes, and the importance of authenticity in today’s fast-paced industry. Whether you’re in hospitality or simply a lover of great food, Peter’s story is one of passion, creativity, and resilience. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

    1h 6m
  4. Beyond the Kitchen: Morgan McGlone on Pop-Ups, Fashion, and Fried Chicken

    20/11/2024

    Beyond the Kitchen: Morgan McGlone on Pop-Ups, Fashion, and Fried Chicken

    In this episode, we sit down with Morgan McGlone, the founder of Belles Hot Chicken, a venue that has been redefining fried chicken in Australia since 2014. But Morgan’s story isn’t just about food—he’s staged internationally with top chefs, managed models in New York, and hosted over 87 pop-ups and collaborations across the globe. Now at Bar Copains, Morgan continues to blend creativity, business, and a passion for hospitality. Join us as we explore Morgan’s journey, from shaping Australia’s casual dining scene to rediscovering his roots, and learn what it takes to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

    53 min
  5. Crafting the Perfect Wood-Fired Ovens with The Brick Chef

    13/10/2024

    Crafting the Perfect Wood-Fired Ovens with The Brick Chef

    The restaurant world thrives on many trades that work behind the scenes, and in today’s episode, we’ve got Samuel Fraraccio, also known as The Brick Chef, joining us. Samuel collaborates with chefs and restaurant owners across Australia, designing and building incredible wood-fired ovens that bring unique craftsmanship to the restaurants world wide. We chat about the process behind creating these ovens, how they enhance the dining experience, and some of the challenges and innovations that Sam encounters in this super niche space. If you’re curious about how ovens are built to his standard, this episode is for you!

    55 min
  6. The Man Behind Ho Jiak: Junda Khoo’s Recipe for Success

    23/09/2024

    The Man Behind Ho Jiak: Junda Khoo’s Recipe for Success

    What happens when a finance professional takes a leap of faith into the culinary world? Junda Khoo turned a small food court outlet into one of Sydney’s most beloved Malaysian dining destinations. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of community. In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we chat with Junda Khoo, the mastermind behind Ho Jiak. From leaving a stable career in finance to opening a tiny 12-seater restaurant, Junda shares his inspiring journey of following his passion for cooking and bringing authentic Malaysian flavors to Sydney. We dive into his challenges, his rapid success, and his commitment to his team and community, even during the toughest times. Whether you’re in hospitality or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the art of turning dreams into reality.

    39 min
  7. From Concept to Cafe of the Year: The Journey of Happyfield's Success

    03/09/2024

    From Concept to Cafe of the Year: The Journey of Happyfield's Success

    In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Chris and Jesse, the masterminds behind Happyfield, the award-winning cafe known for its exceptional coffee and innovative brunch menu. They share their journey from humble beginnings to being recognised as the best cafe in Australia. Chris and Jesse delve into their unique approach to hospitality, emphasising the importance of community, collaboration, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. They also discuss the challenges of opening a cafe with a limited budget, the process of branding, and the secret to their strong partnership. Tune in to learn about their recipe for success and what it takes to stand out in the competitive world of hospitality.

    58 min
  8. Chef Ivan Brehm's Creative Mindset | Unlocking Culinary Innovation

    16/08/2024

    Chef Ivan Brehm's Creative Mindset | Unlocking Culinary Innovation

    In this episode, Chef Ivan Brehm takes us through his culinary journey, combining science, art, and tradition to create unique dishes. He shares how his time in top kitchens shaped his approach to food, balancing innovation with respect for the past. Ivan also talks about the importance of storytelling through food and how his multicultural background influences his creativity. If you're passionate about food, this episode will inspire you to see cuisine in a new light.

    55 min
  9. From Butter Blocks to Business Success: The Pepe Saya Story

    14/07/2024

    From Butter Blocks to Business Success: The Pepe Saya Story

    In this episode, we chat with Pierre and Melissa, the founders of Pepe Saya. We discuss how Pierre, also known as Pepe, took a childhood nickname and a single block of butter from Sydney's Carriageworks markets and turned it into a successful business. They share practical advice for anyone looking to supply to restaurants, highlighting the importance of hard work, personal connections, and face-to-face interactions. We also discover how Pepe Saya's persistence and dedication led to their gourmet butter being stocked in grocery stores and top restaurants nationwide and their next move to supplying in the US. Join us to explore the hustle and heart behind Pepe Saya.

    51 min
  10. Mastering the ART of Pizza | Dan and Matteo share their SECRETS!

    30/06/2024

    Mastering the ART of Pizza | Dan and Matteo share their SECRETS!

    In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Daniel and Matteo, two of Australia's top pizza chefs. They bring their expertise and passion for creating the perfect pizza to the table, sharing their journey from humble beginnings to becoming renowned figures in the hospitality space, specifically the pizza industry. Daniel and Matteo discuss the details of making the perfect pizza, the importance of hydration in dough, and the techniques that set their pizzas apart. They share their experiences of working with their mentors, their definition of Leopard Crust, and the solutions they've implemented to overcome financial setbacks. Daniel and Matteo provide invaluable insights to optimising kitchen workflows, making this episode a must listen for aspiring chefs, pizza enthusiasts and business owners.  Comment below and let us know what you think! What topics should we cover next?   Thanks for watching! Follow us on instagram! @paulayyash @daniel_gigis_pizzamaker @matteo_ernandes_

    1h 3m
  11. Food Truck Challenges: The Hustle Behind Burger Head | Josh and Tim

    14/06/2024

    Food Truck Challenges: The Hustle Behind Burger Head | Josh and Tim

    In this episode of the Hospo Dojo Podcast, we are joined by Josh and Tim the founders of Burger Head.Influenced by their years of combined experience and a deep passion for creating the perfect burger, they share their journey transitioning from fine dining kitchens to quick service burger shops and now multiple food trucks. Josh and Tim share stories on navigating rapid expansion, creative marketing stunts, financial pressures, unexpected failures and triumphs. Josh and Tim provide invaluable insights on sourcing the right suppliers to mastering the art of efficiency in food trucks. Tune in to learn from their challenges and the hustle behind Burger Head.

    56 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Hospo Dojo Podcast, your ultimate resource for mastering the art of hospitality and optimising kitchen efficiency. Join your host, Paul, as he delves into the latest trends, tips, and insights from the world of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our episodes are packed with valuable information to help you elevate your business and enhance your culinary skills. Tune in every week for interviews with industry experts, practical advice, and much more.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Ayyash
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Hospo Dojo © 2024
  • Show Website
    Hospo Dojo Podcast

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