Principle of Hospitality

From a single Melbourne CBD store to 15 million rice paper rolls a year, this is the story of Roll’d.In the final episode of this incredible series, Chelsea Ford sits down with Bao Hoang, CEO of Roll’d, to unpack how a simple idea inspired by family recipes became one of Australia’s most recognisable quick-service food brands.Founded in 2012 with co-founders Ray and Tim, Roll’d set out to bring fresh, Vietnamese-inspired food into Australian shopping centres: fast, affordable, and built for modern lifestyles. On opening day, 30 people queued outside. They sold out in 45 minutes.What followed was rapid growth, national expansion, and the challenge of scaling a product that’s still made fresh in-store every single day.Bao shares the realities behind building Roll’d; from labour, training and SOPs, to maintaining consistency at scale (yes, including internal Rolling World Championships).The conversation also dives into Roll’d’s move into grocery during COVID, bringing Vietnamese pantry staples into homes through Coles, leveraging brand recognition while navigating entirely different margins, buyer expectations, and retail strategy.A conversation about instinct, data, scaling operations, and what it takes to evolve a hospitality brand beyond the counter.Guest info:rolld.com.au / @rolld_vietnameseHost info:foodpreneursfestival.com / @foodpreneursfestivalchelseaford.com / @chelsea.ford.coConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesign

From a backyard tradition to one of Australia’s fastest-growing pantry brands, this is the story of Bippi.In this episode, Chelsea Ford sits down with Ben Circosta, founder of Bippi Foods, to unpack how a brand built on family, flavour and fire scaled from a home kitchen into a nationally recognised name.Launched at the start of COVID, Bippi was inspired by Ben’s Nonna Amelia and the Calabrian rituals of growing, preserving and sharing food. What began as a way to recreate that experience has evolved into a 16+ SKU range, now stocked across the country.Ben shares how he identified a gap in the market through in-store research, validated the product through blind taste tests, and scaled production while keeping everything in-house, from de-stemming chillies by hand to hot-filling jars, to protect quality at every step.We get into the realities of building a food brand today, sourcing locally and internationally, expanding a team across production, sales and marketing, and navigating retail from shelf placement to sell-through.At its core, this is a conversation about consistency, customer trust, and building a brand people genuinely advocate for.Guest info:bippifoods.com / @bippi.foodsHost info:foodpreneursfestival.com / @foodpreneursfestivalchelseaford.com / @chelsea.ford.coConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesign

In this episode, Chelsea Ford sits down with Elizabeth Hewson, Australian food writer, cookbook author, and founder of Saturday Night Pasta, to unpack how a personal ritual turned into a nationally stocked product brand.What began as a simple act of self-care, cooking pasta at the end of a long week, has evolved into a business now sitting in 400+ stores across Australia. Elizabeth shares how her “patchwork” career across restaurants, media and brand building has shaped a business grounded in comfort, quality and honesty.We explore the realities of scaling from kitchen to shelf, from launching with limited-edition drops to building out a seven-SKU range, and partnering with distributors like Cartel & Co to rapidly expand from 50 to 200 stockists in just six months.The conversation dives into what actually drives sell-through in retail, why brand and packaging matter, how margins and data access work with distributors, and the operational shift required to grow beyond a founder-led business. Elizabeth also reflects on the role of mentors, manufacturers and collaborators, including Archie Rose, and her commitment to Australian-made ingredients, transparency and taste.A grounded look at what it takes to build a food brand that people come back to, again and again.Guest info:saturdaynightpasta.com.au / @saturdaynightpasta@elizabethhewsonHost info:foodpreneursfestival.com / @foodpreneursfestivalchelseaford.com / @chelsea.ford.coConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesign

Kicking off our first ep From Hospitality to Household, Host Chelsea Ford sits down with Lachlan Ward, CEO and partner of Melbourne specialty coffee roaster ST. ALi, reflecting on the brand’s 20-year journey and its role as an early pioneer in Australia’s specialty coffee movement.From its beginnings in South Melbourne to becoming one of the country’s most recognisable coffee brands, Lachlan shares how ST. ALi built a reputation for quality, innovation and accessibility. The conversation explores how the business selects café partners based on shared values, and why expanding into major grocery retail was a natural step, driven by demand for high-quality coffee at home and the opportunity to reach customers beyond café walls.Chelsea and Lachlan unpack the realities of entering retail, from understanding sales velocity and shopper data to navigating concerns around cannibalising café partners. Lachlan explains how ST. ALi maintained its premium positioning, resisted discount-driven growth, and instead focused on bringing new coffee drinkers into the category.They also discuss shifting consumer preferences toward more balanced, milk-friendly flavour profiles, the growing demand for decaf, and the rise of cold coffee and concentrates. Along the way, Lachlan shares insights into gifting-led product innovation, inspiration drawn from coffee culture across Asia, and what’s next for the brand, including expansion into Singapore.Thoughtful, honest, and commercially grounded, this episode offers valuable insights for founders, operators, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of hospitality, retail, and consumer packaged goods.Guest info:stali.com.au / @st_ali Host info:foodpreneursfestival.com / @foodpreneursfestivalchelseaford.com / @chelsea.ford.coConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesign

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 / @lovestudiokitchenConnect 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

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_kitchenjoycupcakes / @joycupcakesConnect 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

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

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

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/

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/