Ben Richardson
Ben believes in the power of exceptional customer service and takes pride in creating experiences that brighten someone’s day. He knows hospitality isn’t just about serving – it’s about making genuine connections and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ben has built his career from the bottom up, having owned and operated nightclubs and pubs, and currently the driving force behind multiple thriving cafés. Passionate about coffee, food, and community, Ben knows that curating a menu is about more than just great dishes. It’s about balance, creativity, and understanding your customers. His expertise lies in working with his team to craft menus that not only showcase quality ingredients and flavours but also drive profitability and enhance the customer experience.
11:45am - 12:30pm
Thursday 20th March 2025 Day 1
How to create the ultimate Café Menu
Hear from some of the country’s leading café chefs about current menu trends, how to balance price point and customer expectations, maximise menus on a budget, learn when to change a menu, new ingredients on the rise, and whether it’s time for the ‘smahed avo’ to make a move.
