Open Pantry Consulting

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Open Pantry Consulting

Based in Australia, Open Pantry Consulting is an advisor for independent hospitality brands.

Our Services are built for food venues

We strongly believe in helping our clients succeed. We work with our clients side by side to ensure that their vision for the brand is executed to its fullest as well as providing professional business insights learn't from our own personal journey in the hospitality and QSR industry

Operational review
Business optimisation
Mystery shop execution
Documentation on processes and procedures
Best practice management and reporting tools
Concept creation
Menu development
Ranging
Supply chain
Training and development
Point of sale (POS)
Business planning

08/10/2025

Every thriving venue starts with eight essentials.

What if your next growth step was as clear as a checklist? Our 8-Ingredient Framework breaks the complex process of scaling or launching a hospitality venue into eight focused, actionable areas—from concept to talent.

We’ve seen firsthand how this structure brings clarity and confidence to independent operators facing big decisions. Today, we’re sharing a detailed look at our framework—not as a silver bullet, but as a starting point for deeper conversations about what’s possible for your business.

Curious how these eight ingredients could work for your venue? Reach out for a walkthrough or let’s connect for a chat.

Open Pantry Co. | Proudly supporting hospitality, one step at a time.

27/09/2025

What’s missing from most venue growth plans?

For nearly a decade, we’ve seen how the right frameworks—applied at the right moment—can transform a hospitality business. But what actually goes into a proven system for scaling, hiring, or launching a venue? And how do you know it works before you commit?

At Open Pantry Co., our 8-Ingredient Framework and The Pantry Check aren’t just checklists—they’re the backbone of every successful project we’ve delivered. Each element is designed to reduce risk and give venue leaders real confidence in their next move.

Curious how these frameworks work in practice? Let’s have a conversation about how a structured, holistic approach could support your next chapter.

Reach out to connect with us directly—happy to share what we’ve learned, and listen to your challenges.

24/08/2025

🎙 Episode 6: POS or Problem?

This week on The Prep List, we’re talking tech: does your POS system help your team—or hold them back? Clunky setups might be hurting your service, not helping it.

I share a quick checkup you can do to spot problems fast, a real-world example from a clever operator, and the one team question worth asking: “Is our POS making life easier, or getting in the way?”

Tune in if you want practical ways to keep your venue sharp (and your team smiling). Link to the episode is in the comments.

12/02/2023

Join our exclusive community of hospitality professionals (and lovers)! Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, news and insights by subscribing to our newsletter. As a subscriber, you'll receive a quarterly newsletter with our industry analysis, trends, news and tips to help take your business to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Subscribe now via our website: www.openpantryconsulting.com
Cheers :)

23/11/2022

RAW Ep 8 - Pushing the boundaries of what a coffee brand can be with Lachlan Ward from .

ST. ALi was one of the first speciality coffee brands in Australia and blazed a path for what we define as specialty coffee in Melbourne;

Since inception in 2005, ST. ALi has been an industry leader in direct relationships with farmers, in-house roasting, expert coffee brewing, with a best-in-category food offering.

They have always pushed the boundaries of what a coffee brand can be and whilst they
have always had their landmark venue in the laneways of South Melbourne, they have grown into so many verticals of coffee and food products that are now proudly sold worldwide.

They have collaborated with such brands as Mercedes Benz, Mr Black, Archie Rose, and
Koko Black just to name a few, and I feel fortunate to chat with CEO Lachlan Ward today as
they make an entry back into expanding their footprint of hospitality venues in 2023...

In this podcast we discuss:
-How ST. ALi started in 2005 and how Lachlan came to be involved in the brand.
-With a distinct focus for the brand to concentrate on different verticals other than running
venues, why they took this action.
-How ST. ALi continues to stand out in the coffee market in an industry of so many quality
players.
-How Lachlan feels about the Melbourne hospitality scene moving forward and what plans
ST. ALi has for the future.

Find out more about the Lightspeed x POH Series RAW here: https://www.lightspeedhq.com.au/raw-hospitality-podcast-series/

ST. ALi’s Website: https://stali.com.au/

Lightspeed Website: https://www.lightspeedhq.com.au/

POH Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

17/11/2022

Ep 217 - Making Filipino Gelato that blows people away with John Rivera from Kariton Sorbetes

This week Kay Lene Tan sits down with John Rivera, a Filipino-born Australian chef better known now for his very successful gelato business, .sorbetes. He’s been in the hospitality industry since he was 18 and has worked at some of Australia’s best restaurants such as Attica, Brae and Amaru.
He was also selected to represent the Pacific region at the San Pellegrino Young Chef competition in 2018. It is amazing to have John on the podcast in this week’s episode.

In this podcast we discuss:

-How the idea of Kariton come about.
-His favourite flavour that they have created so far.
-His advice to young chefs who dream of starting their own business.
-The juggle of being a parent and a business owner simultaneously.
- And Kay-Lene’s search for if pineapple belongs on pizza!

Please connect with the podcast on our website below, or just search for ‘principle of hospitality’ wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts-

POH Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

Thanks to Principle Design for developing such great visuals for us.

Cheers and stay well everyone!

05/10/2022

Ep 5- Managing to move forward as the wall is literally crashing down next to you with Managing Director of The North Spoon Gareth Naar.

Located north in Sydney’s CBD in McMahons Point, The North Spoon is a neighbourhood favourite cafe by day and event-come function space at night. Famed for its Italian nights.

From its humble beginnings in 2017 it has grown into a favourite spot for many in the local area.
It is committed to using seasonal and locally grown produce from NSW artisans, farmers, and producers.

Like all venues in the industry, it has faced challenges in recent times and has had to adapt and evolve quickly in order to keep the business strong and sustainable.

So it’s a pleasure to chat with the co-owner of The North Spoon, Gareth Naar on this episode.
In this podcast we discuss:

-How he started out in the industry and how he would describe North Spoon to someone who hasn't visited.
-If he ever thought about going out on his own and not having a partnership.
-The challenges they had over April 2022, and how they worked their way through it.
-How they are dealing with the staffing challenges right now, and what his thoughts are about the future of hospitality staffing in Australia
-What he is looking forward to in the future for himself and the brand.

Find out more about the Lightspeed x POH Series RAW here:
https://www.lightspeedhq.com.au/raw-hospitality-podcast-series/

The North Spoon Website: https://thenorthspoon.com.au/

Lightspeed Website: https://www.lightspeedhq.com.au/

POH Website: https://principleofhospitality.com/

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St Kilda East, VIC

Website

http://www.openpantryconsulting.com/

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