Back of House, Front of Mind

Jamie has been working in hospitality since he was 14 where his passion for the industry was sparked during a work experience placement at a well known Perth brewery. He's worked in some of Perth's best coffee venues and is passionate about the local specialty coffee scene and providing good customer service. He has a love for people and creating community, and after immersing himself in the Perth coffee scene over the last 10 year he decided it was time to do his own thing, and started Obi coffee with his business partner CJ in 2022. This venture has provided him with the opportunity to cultivate a healthy work environment for the Obi team, with emphasis on employee wellbeing and mental health

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bridget Le Grove, a seasoned hospitality professional with over three decades of experience. Bridget, currently serving as the venue manager at Island Market Trigg, has successfully owned and operated two coastal venues in Perth. Her remarkable journey in the hospitality industry began as a waitress at Subi Hotel, where she gradually rose to a supervisor role before making her mark at the Rydges Hotel on Hay Street in Perth City.

Anna Edie is the General Manager of InterContinental Perth City Centre. She was previously General Manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown in New Zealand and Executive Assistant Manager at Australia’s iconic Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay. Anna’s extensive hotel career has also seen her overseeing rooms division and food and beverage operations for new and established IHG hotels, including Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, pre-opening at Holiday Inn Gwangju in Korea, Crowne Plaza Darwin and Intercontinental Shenzhen in China.

In this conversation, we talk with Ryan Michael, a burgeoning artist with roots in the hospitality industry. Starting as a cook and eventually earning a degree in Hospitality Management, he then spent a decade-long career in banking which left him feeling a void of passion and purpose. In a pivotal moment, Ryan left his corporate job to pursue a degree in the Arts. Ryan recently painted a compelling artwork featuring Anthony Bourdain, posing the poignant question, "Are you okay?" This artwork caught the eye of our chairperson, who recognised the power of his message. Through this podcast episode, Ryan shares his mental health journey, shedding light on themes of depression and suicide, prevalent in the hospitality industry. His story and artwork serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health in this industry and finding meaningful, creative pathways to healing.

Meet Ben Fossilo, the vibrant and energetic force behind La Cabaña and the latest hotspot, Wild In the Street. Many know him from Perth's beloved food truck, EAT NO EVIL, which he started 10 years ago. Ben's journey took him from Denmark, WA to Montenegro, with a passionate love affair with Mexican cuisine along the way.

Ben is a leader, championing mental health and wellbeing for the South Fremantle community, supporting both small businesses and local hospitality venues.

Join us as Ben shares his vibrant adventures while making a difference in his community. Get ready for an inspiring episode!

Meet Jono Outred, a small-scale farmer and freelance writer for the food & beverage industry. Jono spent a decade working as a chef, operating at various levels and capacities. Throughout his career, he encountered numerous remarkable experiences as well as formidable challenges. There were times when he grappled with mental health issues, but these trials also served as invaluable learning experiences. Beyond the mere act of cooking, Jono developed a profound appreciation and love for food and the land on which it's grown.

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we have the privilege of speaking with Lorraine Keane, the CEO of Holyoake, and Steve Papadopolous, the Prevention Services Manager. For nearly half a century, Holyoake has been a steadfast pillar in the realm of alcohol and drug services, illuminating paths toward personal transformation and community empowerment. Today, we're delving into a topic that resonates with many: alcohol and other drugs. With over 70% of the population partaking in alcohol and one in three exceeding recommended guidelines, this discussion holds relevance for all. At Holyoake, all services are accessible, free of charge, and require no referrals or abstinence. Their harm minimisation approach aims to reduce the negative consequences of substance use. Year after year, Holyoake touches the lives of nearly 4,000 individuals, with alcohol consistently topping the list of primary concerns. Join us as we explore the profound work of Holyoake, where the journey to understanding the complexities of alcohol, drugs, and mental health takes center stage. Whether you're in the hospitality sector or simply curious about these critical issues, this episode promises valuable insights that will resonate with us all.

Introducing Lachie Sheridan, the creative force behind the viral social media account3 "Perth Dude Food." With an impressive 15-year background as a chef, Lachie's culinary journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After transitioning away from full-time restaurant work around 2013, Lachie ventured into catering and also took on roles as a business development and food sales account manager with a couple of Perth-based food service companies. The unexpected twist of the pandemic led him to Santini Grill & the Old Laundry, where he seamlessly adapted to the changing landscape. In 2020, Lachie embarked on an amusing venture by launching a food-themed Instagram account. This playful platform served as a light-hearted response to lackluster food bloggers and critics, reflecting his genuine disdain for those who lacked authentic hospitality experience. What sets Lachie apart is his rare blend of profound culinary knowledge, a sincere appreciation for his subjects, and an innate comfort within kitchen settings. This fusion of traits brings a distinct charm to his content, rendering it both captivating and endearing. The real surprise came with Lachie's foray into TikTok, where his presence exploded in popularity. This unforeseen development prompted him to shift gears once more, crafting food-related content not only for personal accounts but also for others, including significant businesses. At present, his days are consumed with creating engaging food content that resonates far beyond his initial expectations.

Caroline Taylor is a Chef, Presenter, and Hospitality Consultant with 20 years of experience in the industry. Opening her first restaurant at age 20, Swan Valley Institute Taylor’s Art and Coffee House, trained by Restranteurs Kate and Fiona Lamont, Caroline creates tasty and accessible recipes showcasing quality WA produce for the home cook. A regular contributor to ABC ‘Perth Foodie’ segment, 6PR, and a presenter on Channel 9 hit show ‘Our State on a Plate’, Caroline aims to lift the profile of our hardworking farmers any chance she can. Caroline’s work as a consultant sees her training hospitality owners to run their businesses more confidently, improving their menus, and building relationships with local growers. Venues include Hylin-West Leederville, Mataya Mandurah, The Mangrove (Broome), Tradewinds (Fremantle), Hotel Rottnest, Karratha International Hotel, and HomeRun Mt Hawthorn. As a promotional Chef Caroline has featured at Perth Good Food and Wine Show, WA Day Festival, Parliament House- Canberra, Swan Valley Expo – Singapore, Gourmet Escape, and the Gascoyne Food Festival. Recently Caroline has taken on the challenging role of Mum, raising her young son with partner and Chef Rohan Park- Old Young’s Kitchen, Swan Valley.

Tess Crake, born and raised in Perth, currently serves as the General Manager of Sin Gin Distillery in the Swan Valley. This thriving business operates in the hospitality and tourism sectors, producing and retailing spirits. Sin Gin has garnered significant recognition, including winning the prestigious Gold Tourism Award in 2022 and receiving multiple awards for its exceptional spirits. With a degree in Tourism & Hospitality, Tess is a dedicated manager and leader with a true passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. She consistently strives for personal and professional growth, actively seeking opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge. Tess’s commitment to continuous learning directly benefits the Sin Gin business and contributes to the development of the industry as a whole.