Bite Size

Want to know what’s on the horizon for Brisbane as we gear up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games? In this episode, host Xanny Christophersen sits down with Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency. They explore Brisbane's exciting future as it prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the hospitality and food service sectors that are booming, highlighting the g...

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Wes Lambert, CEO of the Australian Restaurant & Café Association (ARCA), for an insightful conversation on the current state of hospitality. Wes shares his unexpected journey into the industry, what inspired him to establish ARCA, and how the organisation is actively supporting hospitality businesses across Australia. Together, they explore shifting consum...

Did you know that Yo-Chi has expanded internationally and recently opened in Singapore? In this episode, Xanny sits down with the powerhouse behind Yo-Chi’s first Asian stores, Amy Bell who also runs her own thriving business, The Meat Club. Amy shares what inspired her and her family to uproot their lives in Australia and make the move to Singapore, how the idea for The Meat Club was born, and wh...

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Australia’s most‑awarded coffee roaster? Join Xanny for an insightful and surprisingly candid conversation with Mark Bignell, one of the three co-owners of Bellissimo Coffee. In this episode, Mark shares the origins of Bellissimo Coffee, how the brand has continued to stay relevant and deeply connected with its customers, and why quality ingredients...

If you've ever cooked a recipe from Taste.com.au, chances are you've read a recipe edited by Sonya Gellert. Join Xanny for a warm and insightful conversation with Sonya Gellert — Recipe Editor & Food Writer for Taste.com.au and founder of Spaghetti Head Services. With a background spanning travel editing, restaurant reviewing, food and drink journalism, copywriting and recipe development, Sony...

Ever wondered what to pair with a glass of Champagne? Look no further! This episode might just be your answer.   Join Xanny as she sits down with Bernadette O’Shea, one of Australia’s most well-known Champagne consultants, who expertise spans across both Australia and France. With countless awards to her name, and even a knighthood from the French Government for her contribution to the champagne i...

In this episode, Xanny chats with Gregson Gastar, competitor on the latest season of The Great Australian Bake Off, with a flair for bold shirts and even bolder bakes. Gregson shares how an unexpected opportunity to join the show allowed him to showcase not only his incredible baking skills but also his proud Filipino heritage. With warmth and humour, he reflects on his childhood, the influence of...

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Alastair McLeod, a much-loved Brisbane-based celebrity chef, whose stellar career has taken him from Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe to television screens and dining tables around Australia.   Known for his warmth, wit and signature Irish charm, the executive chef of former Brisbane favourite, Brett’s Wharf, shares stories from his incredible career...

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Jess Watkinson, CEO for Foodbank Queensland – the state’s largest hunger relief charity. With over 20 years of experience in government and not for profit roles, Jess share’s her insights into the growing issue of food insecurity, who it’s really affecting and how Foodbank is working tirelessly to create a hunger free future. Together, Xanny and Jess explore t...

In this episode, Xanny sits down with Sam Burke, Corporate Executive Chef and Foodservice Business Development Manager for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). A true champion of Aussie red meat, Sam has had red meat in his veins since day one. Starting out as an apprentice chef, he carved out a remarkable career across butcher shops, corporate catering, leisure and sporting events, including the O...

In this episode, Xanny sits down with chef and culinary sensation Kishwar Chowdhury, who captured national attention as a finalist on MasterChef Australia in 2021. From her Melbourne upbring with Bangladeshi and Indian roots, to introducing millions of Australians to the bold and rich flavours of Bengali cuisine, Kishwar shares how cooking has become her life’s passion. They dive into her journey,...

In part two of this episode, we sit down with Michelle Redfern, an award-winning advisor, speaker and inclusion strategist, to explore what real inclusion leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast paced industries. From her corporate beginnings to becoming a powerhouse advocate for gender equity and workplace inclusion, Michelle shares key moments that shaped her mission and how unconscious bia...

In the first part of this episode, we sit down with Michelle Redfern, an award-winning advisor, speaker and inclusion strategist, to explore what real inclusion leadership looks like in high-pressure, fast paced industries. From her corporate beginnings to becoming a powerhouse advocate for gender equity and workplace inclusion, Michelle shares key moments that shaped her mission and how unconscio...

Welcome to Bite Size! In today’s episode, Xanny interviews the woman described as Queensland’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw, Brooke Falvey!  Brooke shares how being part of the multi-generational hospitality family behind Falvey Hotels has influenced her career, and how she balances working for her family while building her impressive fashion career, with over 93k followers on Instagram. She offers a...

This episode is an insight into the family dynamics of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights as Xanny interviews a special guest, her father and Priestley’s board member Tony! In this conversation, Xanny and Tony dive into how they ensure that business doesn’t affect their relationship and what the dynamics look like for a family owned and run company. Tony Christopherson has been an integral part of the P...

In this episode, Jillian and Xanny delve into the best strategies on how to find confidence in presenting and why it's critical to elevate your communication style as a woman in business. Media powerhouse, Jillian Whiting (known for her roles on Seven’s Sunrise, Weekender and Nine News Queensland) reveals why learning how to communicate authentically and clearly is a skill that everyone should lea...

ABC Brisbane interviews CEO Xanny Christophersen on the new AI robot powered cake factory that has officially opened in Acacia Ridge.  Priestley's Gourmet Delights proudly unveils brand new, state-of-the-art factory, announcing the grand opening of their expansive 7,740 square-metre facility. It is a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence in every delectable creation they bring...

In this episode, we’re tackling the age-old question:  How do you get your business out there? How do you harness the power of marketing to connect with your audience and separate yourself from the competition? Hospitality marketing expert Astrid Kelaher (known for her roles at Crown Resorts, Lavazza Australia, Treasury Wines, and PUBLIC) reveals the vital role marketing plays in Australia's AUD 2...

An inspiring story to share, this episode will take you on a delicious journey of entrepreneurship and creativity. Join us as we sit down with Founder and Board Member, Marilyn Jones as we explore the extraordinary rise of a founder who started by delivering cakes from the back of a station wagon and became the biggest dessert supplier in Australia. We’ll dive into how Priestley’s was born, the hu...

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of the foodservice industry, teamwork is the secret ingredient that can make or break a restaurant's success. In this episode of Bite Size, we delve into the art of team building and explore its crucial role in the foodservice industry.  Join us as our host Xanny Christophersen sits down with industry expert, and renowned Executive Chef, Gary Johnson, who has ma...

In this episode, we are joined by Tanya Zealey from Design Interiors. If you currently run a food venue that needs to be ‘zhuzhed up’ or you’re thinking of opening one, this episode covers the design and layout tips and tricks you need to know that will save you loads of time, resource and dollars. In this episode, we discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to design and venue layout and offer p...

Technology. It's interesting when you utter this word - it can bring a look of dread or exhilaration in the hospitality and foodservice industry, depending on your experience. In this episode, we speak with Andrew Low, co-founder of Ordermentum, on how technology can drive meaningful insights that can transform your business - resulting in streamlining your processes, supporting your teams and hel...

Running a cafe business is an amazing experience, though it doesn't come without its challenges. Most business owners are incredibly time-poor, juggling many aspects of the business, from cash flow, staffing, social media to ordering stock and the list goes on. In this episode, we will talk to Liam McLaughlin and provide some tangible and practical tips for you to consider. Liam is an experienced...