Recorded on Christmas Eve, this episode of the Pinnicast finds Leon and Michael at a critical midpoint in their journey to open the Pinnacle. After weeks of deceptively smooth progress, the duo finally encounters their first taste of project volatility as two investors drop out, forcing a quick pivot and a budget recalibration. Michael shares the surprising news that several members of the internal PAX team have stepped up as investors, deepening the personal stakes of the project. The conversation also challenges industry norms by advocating for unfiltered transparency over traditional "smoke and mirrors" hospitality. Leon pitches a heartfelt weekly idea for a community Christmas lunch, and the team discusses the nuances of non-alcoholic beer on tap. This episode offers raw insights into capital raising, team loyalty, and the high-pressure reality of opening a venue during the holiday season.

Join us on this journey from idea to opening the doors to The Pinnacle.

Check out Michael's Pinnacle deck here.

For more information on The Pinnacle, visit thepinnacle.melbourne

For more information on PAX, pax.melbourne

Follow @pax.melbourne on social media.

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

PAX acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all First Nations People.