In this episode of 'Bestie's Bubbles and Biz,' Audrey interviews Mel about her 15-year journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a waitress under her father's supervision, Mel worked her way up through various roles, including sales and marketing director and finally a General Manager. Mel shares experiences from running major events, facing business challenges, and her dedication to staff and operational excellence. She now channels her rich experience into her own business, Inspire, providing marketing and operational consulting to elevate small businesses within the hospitality sector.

(00:25) Mel's Journey in Hospitality

(01:22) Early Career and Inspirations

(03:13) Rising Through the Ranks

(06:27) Challenges and Achievements at Balgownie

(12:10) Transition to New Ventures

(13:28) Overcoming Challenges in the Hotel Industry

(13:59) Transitioning to Business Development Manager

(14:50) Navigating Brand Consistency and Upgrades

(15:44) From BDM to Director of Sales

(18:33) Starting Inspire: The Spark and Vision

(20:55) Services Offered by Inspire

(22:25) Growth and Challenges of a New Business

(27:14) Future Plans and Family Involvement

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For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au

Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

In this episode of Besties, Bubbles, and Biz, Mel and Audrey delve into the founding story of Davies Street Food Co. Audrey discusses her inspiration for starting the business—the lack of quality options for people with dietary restrictions in the hospitality sector.
They talk about how the business evolved from the Gut Tribe Kitchen to the renowned Davies Street Food Co. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Audrey shares the challenges of running a gluten-free business, obtaining Celiac accreditation, and navigating a business partnership separation. They also touch on the importance of family support, the role of social media in their marketing strategy, and future goals of increasing staff and focusing on education within the industry.


(00:22) The Origin Story of Davie Street Food Co.

(02:33) Challenges and Opportunities During COVID-19

(04:07) Growth and Community Support

(09:49) Navigating Business Partnerships

(14:31) Adapting to Changes and Future Plans

(24:39) Reflecting on the Journey

(25:00) Challenges of Running a Business

(25:27) Marketing Strategies and Social Media

(28:13) Importance of Customer Feedback

(29:58) Training and Empowering Staff

(32:43) Future Goals and Education

(34:42) Passion-Driven Business

(40:05) Balancing Personal and Business Life

Thanks for listening.

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For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au

Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

Meet Mel and Audrey, longtime friends and fans (sometimes haters) of the hospitality industry. In this first episode, Mel and Audrey reflect on their deep friendship and shared experiences in the industry. They reminisce about their beginnings in a bustling restaurant and explore their personal and professional growth.

The duo highlights the importance of understanding various aspects of the hospitality sector, from front-of-house to back-of-house operations. They also discuss the industry's challenges and their passion for creating memorable customer experiences. The episode combines humour, storytelling, and valuable insights into their journey and the broader hospitality industry while celebrating their friendship and business success.


(00:40) How We Met: The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

(01:41) Early Days in the Hospitality Industry

(02:54) From Work Experience to Lifelong Friends

(05:06) Navigating Career Paths in Hospitality

(07:00) Transitioning to Corporate and Beyond

(08:01) The Value of Diverse Experience in Hospitality

(08:39) The Versatility of Hospitality Experience

(09:41) Transitioning to City Life and Career Growth

(10:23) Adventures in the States

(11:17) Returning to Melbourne and New Challenges

(12:12) The Unyielding Passion for Hospitality

(15:28) The Adrenaline Rush of Service

(16:53) The Struggles and Joys of Front of House

Thanks for listening.

Follow us on Instagram

For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au

Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au

Join Mel and Audrey for candid conversations, bubbly banter, and valuable tips for navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of the hospitality world

Thanks for listening.

Follow us on Instagram

For more information on Davies St. Food Co. or to get yourself some delicious gluten-free chow, head to - daviesstfoodco.com.au

Or to boost your hospitality business with effective sales, marketing strategies, coaching, and leveraging powerful networks head-to- - www.innspire.au