Bite Size

The Family Behind the Brand: Tony Christophersen and growing a small family business into the leading Australian dessert wholesaler

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 Priestley’s Gourmet Delights story since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Throughout this episode he shares his personal experiences and insights on how they developed and grew Priestley’s into the business that it is today. He offers a unique perspective on how the family unit was able to navigate the ups and downs that every business encounters and what it took to evolve the once small family business into Australia’s leading dessert wholesaler. Xanny and Tony share their personal business insights and how integral external help was in growing the business to new heights. This episode is a must listen for all small business owners and family run businesses!
About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry.
About your co-host: Tony Christophersen is a well-known figure in the dessert manufacturing industry, as he was an integral part of the Priestley’s Gourmet Delights story since its inception nearly 30 years ago. With his background in marketing, sales and administration, Tony along with a number of family members brought this business to life in 1996. Since then, the business has grown into a sizable business with a footprint of 7,500sqm at the state of the art site in Acacia Ridge. Tony now sits on the Priestley’s board where he has been able to watch his daughter grow and evolve this small family business into Australia’s leading dessert wholesaler. 
Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ 
Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 
To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight 
Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights 
To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Riley at radams@pgdelights.com.au
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Mastering Communication: How to take your confidence and presentation skills to the next level!

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 learn. She offers a unique insight into ‘imposter syndrome’ and why we need to lean into the anxious and uncomfortable feeling to build our confidence in these circumstances. Jillian and Xanny share their personal experiences of presenting to an audience, how to ‘fail fast’ and how to use this opportunity to best influence your audience. Whether you are an established CEO or just starting your venture into the business and hospitality industry, join us to discover why communicating with confidence is a critical life skill for everyone!
 
About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry.
 
About your co-host: Jillian Whiting is no stranger to the spotlight, as you may have seen her on Nine News Queensland, Sunrise at Channel 7, or the travel show Weekender. With over 25 years of experience in the media as a newsreader, a journalist and now director of her consulting business, Media Potential, Jillian has all the best tips on how to be a confident speaker and an expert in communication. Her current role as director of Media Potential, has allowed for her to gain an in-depth understanding of how women can best advocate for themselves in an assertive and effective manner. 
 
You can connect with Jillian on LinkedIn, at @Jillian Whiting
 
Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ 
Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 
To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or, listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight 
Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights 
To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Coordinator, Kat at kbramadat@pgdelights.com.au
Produced By The Podcast Boss

ABC Brisbane Priestley’s NEW AI Robot Powered Facility

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 to your table.

Navigating the Future of Hospitality: Marketing Strategies for All Sizes

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 26.7 billion dollar hospitality industry. She shares tactics for small venues to compete with giants, the power of user-generated content, and sustainable marketing practices. Astrid provides a glimpse of emerging trends that will reshape the industry. Join us to discover actionable strategies that empower hospitality businesses of all sizes to thrive in today's competitive landscape and prepare for tomorrow's challenges
 
About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry.
 
About your co-host: Astrid Kelaher brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality marketing industry, having worked across all facets of the industry, including branding, positioning media planning, , communications, trade marketing, ambassador and sponsorship negotiations and more. Her career is marked by her time at Crown Resorts, Lavazza Australia, Treasury Wines. Her current role as General Manager of Marketing and Communications at PUBLIC Group hones her skills in project management, investor negotiations and of course, delivering quality and impactful marketing and communications that uplift the PUBLIC brand. 
You can connect with Astrid on LinkedIn, at @Astrid Kelaher
 
About Public: 
PUBLIC is a diversified hospitality business founded on authentic experiences in accommodation, food and barrage through its expanding portfolio of intimate and purposeful local hospitality brands. From concept to build, PUBLIC delivers individual environments that always deliver something new to the market while respecting, understanding and acknowledging the heritage of every property and its place in the local community. PUBLIC uncovers the layers of history in places by restoring inner city properties to their former glory for the neighbourhood. The ambition is simple; create pillars of the community that are owned by all. 
Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ 
 
Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 
To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or, listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight 
 
Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights 
 
 
To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Manager, Kat at kbramadat@pgdelights.com.au
Produced By The Podcast Boss

From Stationwagon to Sweet Success: The Extraordinary Story of our Founder, Marilyn Jones

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 hurdles of starting a business, the art of taking risks, how to overcome the challenges of being a woman in business and the importance of being an innovator and changemaker. Whether you own a business or want to start a business, this is the episode for you. Get ready to meet our trailblazer!
About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry.
 
About your co-host: Marilyn Jones founded Priestley’s Gourmet Delights in 1996 and still remains an active member of the company to this day. 
 
Visit our website at https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/ 
 
Loved this episode and want to support our show? Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 
To listen to other episodes, view Bite Size’s playlist on your favourite podcast platform, or, listen on our website https://www.priestleys-gourmet.com.au/insight 
 
Want to get social? Find and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @Priestley’s Gourmet Delights 
 
To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance or sponsorship opportunities on Bite Size email our Brand Manager, Kat at kbramadat@pgdelights.com.au
Produced By The Podcast Boss

Building the Perfect Recipe: Team Building in the Foodservice Industry

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 mastered the art of fostering strong and cohesive teams. 
This episode uncovers the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of managing people and how to foster the best team culture in the fast-paced foodservice industry. 
We dive into Gary's recipe for success, "people+product+passion=profit" and reveal the common mistakes managers make when team building. 
If you manage people, this episode is a must-listen! 
About your host: Xanny Christophersen CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, senior business executive and change agent who is passionate about the foodservice industry.
About your co-host: Executive Chef, Gary Johnson, is an internationally award-winning chef with over 40 years’ experience and leadership across a variety of venues. He is currently the Group Executive Chef of ALH Hotels, and is responsible for the culinary direction within the group including conceptual development; hotel projects, menu management; Executive and Head chef development, brand standards, food strategy and innovation. The ALH Group has over 350+ hotels with 1100+ chefs generating $500m+ in food sales annually.
 
Please contact us if you: 
Want to come on board as a show sponsor 
Are interested in joining the show as a co-host 
Have any feedback or suggestions on how to make this show better
Produced By The Podcast Boss 

Venue Design Tips & Tricks for the Foodservice Industry

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 practical advice from our subject matter expert, Tanya Zealey, Director at Ellivo https://www.ellivo.com/, who has worked on hundreds of store layouts across the food industry.This episode was brought to you by Priestley’s Gourmet Delights

Bite Sized Tips for using Technology in the Hospitality and Foodserice Industry - with Andrew Low, Co-Founder of Ordermentum.

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 helping with cash flow. We hope this sparks some ideas for your venue. 

Bite Sized 01: Tips for Café Owners In Today’s Challenging Environment - with Liam McLaughlin, Executive Chef and senior partner at Global Hospitality...

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 Executive Chef and senior partner at Global Hospitality Group. Liam's specialty as a consultant chef with a demonstrated history of working with the hospitality industry to achieve effective and profitable outcomes. He is skilled in new Menu / Product development, Catering, Food & Beverage, Front of House, Hospitality Management, HACCP Controls and Team Management. He is well-regarded within the Australasia Foodservice Industry. He has been at the core of industry-leading events and progress for over ten years, as well as 20 years in hospitality.