Principle of Hospitality

POH Network
  • 5.0 (8)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Principle of Hospitality (POH) saw a gap in Australia’s hospitality industry — with a growing need to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations, as well as the changing needs of consumers, it was clear our hospitality heroes could benefit from a stronger support network.

  1. Ep 298 — Darren Purchese on Bake Off AU, StudioKitchen and Building a Life in Food

    FEB 9

    Ep 298 — Darren Purchese on Bake Off AU, StudioKitchen and Building a Life in Food

    In this episode, Renee Buckingham sits down with renowned pastry chef, author, and Great Australian Bake Off judge, Darren Purchese. From a food-obsessed childhood in the UK to elite kitchens in London, Darren reflects on the unexpected journey that brought him to Australia and shaped an extraordinary career. Known for his work across The Great Australian Bake Off, MasterChef Australia, bestselling cookbooks, and now his creative platform StudioKitchen, Darren shares why pastry became his calling, and how precision, structure, and understanding why things work underpin everything he does. The conversation explores mentorship, specialisation versus versatility in modern hospitality, and how Darren has evolved beyond the restaurant to build a sustainable, creative life in food through teaching, storytelling, and digital influence. Thoughtful, generous, and grounded, this episode offers insight for chefs, creatives, and anyone building longevity in the hospitality industry. Guest info: @darrenpurchese studiokitchen.com.au / @lovestudiokitchen Connect with POH: principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitality For Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support: principledesign.com.au / @principledesign A 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

    1h 3m
  2. Ep 297 - From Longevity to Virality: Inside Dilu Kulathungam’s Hospo Journey

    JAN 22

    Ep 297 - From Longevity to Virality: Inside Dilu Kulathungam’s Hospo Journey

    In this episode, host Renee sits down with Dilu Kulathungam, co-owner and creative behind Joy Cupcakes, Lulu & Me Cheesecakes and Chrystalla’s. Dilu reflects on her journey through hospitality, including the 15 years of success behind Joy Cupcakes and the rise of Lulu & Me Cheesecakes. Built around a pay-by-weight Basque cheesecake offering, the Collingwood space struck a chord quickly, gaining momentum online by doing something familiar in a quietly different way. The conversation also touches on Chrystalla’s, their newest restaurant, a concept shaped by comfort food and shared memory, and what it takes to build hospitality businesses that last. All three businesses are co-owned by twin pastry chefs Dilu and Jini, alongside Michael Diamandis, who supported the sisters from the outset in pursuing their passion for food. Guest info: lulu-me-cheesecakes / @luluandme_cheesekcakes @chrystallas_kitchen joycupcakes / @joycupcakes Connect with POH: principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitality For Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support: principledesign.com.au / @principledesign A 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

    53 min
  3. Ep 296 – Building a Bagel Empire: Inside Benjamin Vaughan’s, Mile End Journey

    12/02/2025

    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_bagels Connect with POH: principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitality For Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support: principledesign.com.au / @principledesign A 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

    43 min
  4. Ep 295 – Redefining Indian Cuisine: Inside Jessi Singh's Global Ventures

    10/27/2025

    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_singh Connect with POH: principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitality For Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support: principledesign.com.au / @principledesign A 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

    1h 1m
  5. Ep 294 - Beyond Pizza & Booze: Building a Legacy with Dan Leuzzi & Tom Guirioli

    05/12/2025

    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.au Instagram: @_freddys & @tommys_booze Please find us here at POH: Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

    51 min
  6. Ep 294 - Legendary Pizza Craft & Business Philosophy with Johnny Di Francesco (part 2)

    04/22/2025

    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 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/

    1h 17m
  7. Ep 293 - Legendary Pizza Craft & Business Philosophy with Johnny Di Francesco (part 1)

    04/07/2025

    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_au Please find us here at POH: Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

    38 min
  8. Ep 292 - Evolving Menus and Heritage Cooking: Matteo Tine's Story

    02/17/2025

    Ep 292 - Evolving Menus and Heritage Cooking: Matteo Tine's Story

    In this episode of the Principle of Hospitality podcast, Renee Buckingham sits down with Matteo Tine, the executive chef of Orlo in Collingwood. Matteo shares stories from his rich culinary background, including his early experiences in his grandparents' gelato shop, lessons from his family members who are also chefs, and his journey from Melbourne to Byron Bay’s Pixie restaurant. He emphasises the importance of storytelling in dish creation, using seasonal and local produce, and fostering a positive kitchen culture. Matteo discusses the evolution of his menu at Orlo, his nostalgic approach to cooking, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way, including the significance of being open to mistakes and continually being energetic and passionate about his work. Please find our guest information here: Website: https://www.orlo.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlo.collingwood/ Please find us here at POH: Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principle_of_hospitality/

    52 min
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About

Principle of Hospitality (POH) saw a gap in Australia’s hospitality industry — with a growing need to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations, as well as the changing needs of consumers, it was clear our hospitality heroes could benefit from a stronger support network.

Information

  • Creator
    POH Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    307
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 147050
  • Show Website
    Principle of Hospitality