Summary

In this episode, Shaun reflects on the key lessons learned in the hospitality industry over the past year, emphasising the importance of clarity, the necessity of systems, strategic cutting for profitability, and evolving recruitment trends.

He encourages operators to focus on building a strong foundation for 2026 by learning from past experiences and making thoughtful decisions.

Takeaways

• Clarity beats speed in decision-making.
• Operators who paused for clarity outperformed others.
• Systems are essential for operational success.
• Cutting wisely can lead to better profitability.
• Smaller menus with a strong identity are more effective.
• Recruitment trends show a shift towards stability and growth opportunities.
• People seek belonging in their workplace.
• Investing in onboarding leads to better team retention.
• Pruning complexity can foster growth.
• Reflecting on what to leave behind can reset team dynamics.

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Email us at Open Pantry Co: connect@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode, Shaun emphasises the importance of preparing for the upcoming year in the hospitality industry. He discusses the need for operational tidying and financial reviews before the busy January period, highlighting key areas such as rostering, supplier reviews, menu costings, and staff management.

The conversation encourages operators to take proactive steps now to ensure a smoother transition into the new year, ultimately leading to greater success and reduced stress.

Key takeaways

• Start your year with a clear mindset and strategy.
• Focus on small operational resets to avoid stress later.
• Review rostering templates to prepare for staff changes.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews to save costs.
• Analyse menu costings to identify underperforming items.
• Clean up tech systems to ensure accurate data.
• Establish clear team structures and roles before January.
• Engage your team in identifying operational friction points.
• Momentum is key; start the process now.
• Seek professional help for strategy cleanups and recruitment.

Links to brands we talked about in this show:

Termina: Website

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Email us: connect@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode, Shaun discusses the critical role of wellness in the hospitality industry, emphasising its impact on employee retention, service quality, and overall operational success.

He presents a compelling case for why wellness should be viewed as a strategic priority rather than a luxury, highlighting measurable ROI through reduced turnover and improved team dynamics.

Practical tools and strategies are shared to foster a culture of care and connection among staff, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and productive work environment.

Takeaways

• Wellness is a measurable lever for improving culture.
• A basic wellness program can significantly reduce turnover.
• The cost of replacing staff is substantial in the hospitality industry.
• Simple wellness practices can enhance team connection.
• Asking the right questions can uncover practical solutions.
• Wellness initiatives can lead to better customer interactions.
• Operational strategies should prioritise employee well-being.
• Small changes can have a big impact on team morale.
• Positioning wellness in job ads attracts better candidates.
• Leadership should focus on creating a supportive environment.

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Email Open Pantry Co: connect@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode of The Prep List, Shaun discusses the critical transition into summer operations for hospitality venues.

He emphasises the importance of early planning, effective team communication, and operational efficiency to ensure a successful summer season. Shaun shares insights on rethinking summer operations, simplifying menus, and fostering a supportive team environment. He highlights a success story from Harvest Hospitality, showcasing how intentional leadership and planning can lead to improved service and profitability.

The episode concludes with a reminder of the significance of preparation and team involvement in navigating the busy summer months.

Key Takeaways

• Summer is a crucial time for hospitality venues.
• Rethink operations early to avoid chaos later.
• Simplifying menus can enhance service efficiency.
• Effective communication is key to team success.
• Regular team huddles can build confidence and calm.
• Intentional leadership leads to better outcomes.
• Planning for simplicity can prevent overwhelm.
• Team input is valuable for operational improvements.
• Summer can be a training opportunity if planned well.
• Engagement with the team fosters motivation and consistency.

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Reach out to us via email: connect@openpantryco.com

Listen to 'The Ingredients' Podcast here: Link

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary:

In this episode of The Prep List, host Shaun deVries explores a crucial yet often overlooked concept in the hospitality industry: the power of the pause.

As the busiest time of the year approaches, Sean discusses how strategic breaks and smarter planning can strengthen venues, improve team morale, and enhance customer experiences.

Tune in to discover why trading fewer days and focusing on quality over quantity might be the key to thriving in a competitive market. Don't miss this insightful discussion on making mindful decisions that protect your long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Strategic breaks can strengthen venues and improve team morale.
• Trading fewer days can lead to higher-quality service and increased customer satisfaction.
• Smart venues are focusing on quality over quantity during peak seasons.
• Planning smarter breaks can help avoid burnout and maintain momentum.
• Communicating closure dates early builds trust and reduces uncertainty.
• A mindset shift from "staying open" to "trading well" can benefit the business.
• Condensing trading hours and offering special menus can enhance customer experience.
• Reviewing trading strategies can help you plan more effectively for busy seasons.
• Choosing to pause strategically can lead to a refreshed team and loyal customers.
• Making mindful decisions protects long-term success over short-term gains.

Brands mentioned in this podcast:

• deputy.com
• tanda.co
• employmenthero.com

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Open Pantry Co. Email Address: connect@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode, Shaun shares insights on scaling a business smartly, focusing on maintaining the magic of the original venue while expanding.

He discusses the importance of systems, tech, and trust, and offers practical advice for operators looking to expand without losing their brand identity.

Takeaways

• Scaling smart means protecting your concept before multiplying it.
• Running a second site doubles the complexity, not the business.
• Expansion brings freedom only if foundations are solid.
• Check your tech stack before expanding to ensure systems communicate.
• The best groups scale by protecting what made them great.
• Systemise service rituals, brand details, and standards before expanding.
• Non-negotiables must stay the same no matter how big you get.
• Scaling smart is about keeping your identity intact as you grow.
• Start with systems first, not site selection, when expanding.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:

Restoke: Link

Loaded: Link

CTB AND CO: Link

Tanda: Link

Deputy: Link

Employment Hero: Link

Xero: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Open Pantry Co. email: connect@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode, Shaun discusses the critical importance of team development in the hospitality industry.

He emphasises that effective training and staff retention are interconnected, and highlights the need for integrated learning systems to facilitate ongoing employee development.

Shaun also encourages operators to view training as a revenue protection strategy rather than an expense, and shares practical tools and questions to foster a culture of continuous improvement within teams.

Takeaways

• Most operators only start training when issues arise.
• Staff retention and development are the same thing.
• Fast food brands excel at training due to necessity.
• Independent venues can adopt successful training practices.
• Every role should have a clear onboarding path.
• Training can be small, trackable milestones.
• Integrated learning systems are the future of training.
• Tech should enhance training, not replace it.
• Training is a revenue protection strategy.
• Focus on building capability among your team.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:

Employment Hero: Link

Restoke: Link

Operandio: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Email us at Open Pantry Co: shaun@openpantryco.com

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Summary

In this episode, Shaun discusses the importance of financial awareness in the hospitality industry, emphasising the need for regular cash flow forecasting and the use of financial management tools.

He highlights the habits successful operators build around finance and encourages teams to develop a deeper understanding of their financial metrics.

Takeaways

• The smartest operators forecast every month, sometimes weekly.
• Most venues go broke due to cash flow issues, not unprofitability.
• Tracking weekly revenue targets is crucial for financial health.
• Building financial habits can help maintain cash positivity.
• Regular financial reviews with the team are essential.
• Understanding key financial metrics fosters team accountability.
• Forecasting helps in planning for potential dips in revenue.
• Micro habits in finance can lead to significant improvements.
• Financial awareness should be a team-wide effort.

Find out more about Sip Ventures $150K Partners Program: Link Here

Links to brands we talked about in this show:

Restoke: Link

Loaded: Link

CTB AND CO: Link

Tanda: Link

Deputy: Link

Employment Hero: Link

Xero: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Open Pantry Co. Email: Link

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

Open Pantry Co. Instagram: Link

Open Pantry Co. YouTube: Link

Open Pantry Co. LinkedIn: Link

Open Pantry Co. Linktree: Link

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/

Now Book It

Go to https://www.nowbookit.com/