Dani Valent describes herself as a food journalist, podcaster, writer, eater, traveller and cook - and it's all done with enthusiasm and a passion for sharing. I will also add that she's a great humanitarian and advocate for restaurant workers, asylum seekers and refugees - the people who give vital support to our industry, but are often overlooked and struggle to have a good life. Find more about her work at DaniValent.com.

Questions we discussed...

• What has made her so interested in all aspects of hospitality?
• Food media - what's changed in the last couple of years? Better and worse?
• New media channels - what does she use and find most interesting?
• How do new restaurants and cafes get the attention of a journalist - what's the best hook?
• The Covid experience - what have we learned that's made us stronger?
• Business owners and entrepreneurs - what has she learned about their resilience and innovation?
• How Dani works as a journalist and podcaster - keeping to deadlines and producing a steady flow of interesting content.

You'll find the Show Notes and links for today's episode on the HospoReset.com website. Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Hospo Reset newsletter, and connect with Ken Burgin on Linkedin and on Twitter.

Management is a lot more than carrying a big bunch of keys and covering the roster. A massive increase in operational complexity makes the manager role more demanding, and also more effective if the data available is harnessed accurately to show performance and results.

Ken Burgin interviewed Liz Perkins from The Hospitality Company on this very interesting topic - she has a background as a chef and business owner. Liz now coaches hospitality operators in how to make the best use of the digital management tools available, and master the critical numbers that show business performance and success.

Topics they discussed:

• The 5 key business areas that modern managers need to handle.
• How manager roles and expectations have changed in the last few years.
• Digital literacy and skills - what should the modern manager be comfortable handling?
• Recommended digital systems to help operators take control eg dashboards, rostering, recipes etc.
• How to upgrade the skills of older and less-experienced managers.

You'll find the Show Notes and links for today's episode on the HospoReset.com website. Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Hospo Reset newsletter, and connect with Ken Burgin on Linkedin and on Twitter.

Every cafe owner likes the idea of building 'community support' and having loyal local customers, but how do you make this happen?

Ken Burgin interviewed Mike Matich from Crooked Spire Cafe in Perth, about how he's built strong local support in his area. What makes it a place that appeals to everyone in the community, from street people to tradies, families and office workers - including the local Member of Parliament? His enthusiasm for business and for his customers is inspiring!

Topics they discussed:

• How is Crooked Spire different to other cafes?
• Mike's background in hospitality and business.
• How does community involvement work as a profit builder?
• Working with a local Chamber of Commerce and wider networking - something many hospitality operators don't make time for.
• Growing stronger from the Covid experience.
• Advice for operators who want to use their 'community heart' but don't have much time, or know where to start.
• Technology and systems used eg bookings, POS, financial management, social media etc

You'll find the Show Notes and links for today's episode on the HospoReset.com website. Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Hospo Reset newsletter, and connect with Ken Burgin on Linkedin and on Twitter.