S6 Ep. 121 THE BRIGHTON SPECIAL WITH CULINARY PIONEERS JAMES THOMSON, CO-FOUNDER OF WILD FLOR, DAWN SPERRING, CO-FOUNDER OF CHILLI PICKLE AND ROBERT SHENTON, CO-FOUNDER OF RIDDLE AND FINNS BRIGHTON

Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast Sponsored by Vita Mojo feat. Mark McC

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In this episode, host Mark McC has a chat with three legendary restaurateurs in Brighton: James Thomson, co-founder of Wildflor; Don Sperring, co-founder of Chilli Pickle; and Robert Shenton, co-founder of Riddle & Finns. Each guest shares their journey and how they got started in the restaurant industry. They discuss the unique qualities of Brighton as a city, its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, and the strong support for independent restaurants. The guests also touch on the challenges they face in the current market, including trading patterns, the impact of delivery services, and the need to find the right balance between offering affordable options and maintaining the quality and value of their menus. This episode highlights the passion and dedication of those in the hospitality industry in Brighton and their commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.

About James Thomson

James Thomson opened Wild Flor in the spring of 2019 along with his co-founders Faye Hudson & Rob Maynard. James has worked in hospitality since the age of 16 with management responsibilities as young as 19. It was while working in New Zealand that a job became a career prospect; working alongside passionate professionals from all over the world & at a time when Central Otago wines were beginning to boom. On homecoming, James held management positions at Food for Friends & Whites Bar & Kitchen (meeting a young Rob Maynard in the process) before joining The Ginger Group & 6 years as GM of The Ginger Pig. It was while working for this company that James met his business partner (& now life partner), Faye while also working alongside Rob Maynard for much of this time. After a long lunch at the newly opened Noble Rot in Lambs Conduit St, the three of them decided to open a restaurant together.

Wild Flor is a neighbourhood restaurant in Hove channelling our love for warm & personal service, classic European cookery & the finest wines on the planet. It has been open for almost 5 years now, winning local & national acclaim for hospitality, wine list & cookery. Wild Flor is the kind of restaurant we want to eat in, that should feel as though it has always been here & will continue to be here for years to come - something we will endeavour to achieve.

About Dawn Sperring

Dawn Sperring is the co-founder of The Chilli Pickle, a celebrated restaurant located in the heart of Brighton's historic quarter, The Lanes. With a strong background in hospitality and a passion for culinary excellence, Dawn and her husband, Alun, transformed their love for Indian food and culture into a thriving business. Dawn's journey from her initial career as an ambulance technician to becoming a prominent figure in Brighton's restaurant scene exemplifies her dedication to food and the art of creating exceptional dining experiences. As a successful restaurateur, Dawn's commitment to quality and her partnership with Alun have made The Chilli Pickle an exciting regional Indian restaurant, with cracking cocktails & drinks all served in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere. The Chilli Pickle stands as a testament to Dawn's dedication to her craft and her vision for bringing a taste of India to Brighton.

About Robert Shenton

Robert Shenton is the director and proprietor of Riddle & Finns, an iconic restaurant that has become a prominent name in Brighton's vibrant culinary landscape. With a rich history spanning nearly 14 years, Riddle & Finns is renowned for its commitment to offering sensational seafood dishes and breathtaking sea views.

Robert's journey in the restaurant industry led to his involvement in Riddle & Finns' expansion to the Rotunda on Brighton's promenade, a significant milestone in the restaurant's legacy. With a focus on quality local ingredients and respect for provenance, Riddle & Finns has garnered acclaim for its high-quality seafood offerings, convivial atmosphere, and exceptional service.

As the director and proprietor, Robert Shenton has played a pivotal role in the ambitious restoration of the Shelter Hall and Rotunda, making it a valuable addition to Brighton's beachfront. His dedication to delivering an outstanding dining experience with incredible panoramic views reflects his passion for offering the best to both seafood lovers and the city's visitors.

This podcast is sponsored by Vita Mojo.

About Vita Mojo:

The future of your restaurant, built together.

Vita Mojo’s all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase ATV, run more efficiently and deliver an exceptional, fully-branded guest experience. Our restaurant management platform transforms your online and off-premise order sources - including delivery networks - in one fast, reliable and easy-to-use system.

Vita Mojo is trusted by leading hospitality operators such as LEON, YO! And GAIL’s, as well as midsize and large restaurants across the UK and Europe to continuously innovate - beyond their menu. To find out more visit vitamojo.com/supersonic

Our SIlver Sponsors are:

GRTFL - The modern hospitality tipping platform

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RMI - The Restaurant Marketing and Innovator's Awards + Summit

https://www.restaurantinnovator.com/

Saved by Robots:

Saved by Robots are passionate about creating compelling brands and memorable experiences through great design, engaging storytelling and genuine authenticity.

Visit Savedbyrobots.com to get in touch

About Mark Mcc:

Mark McCulloch is one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in the world. Mark has over twenty years brand, marketing, digital and social media experience holding senior and board-level positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger. Mark co-founded multi-award-winning brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular in 2012 which is still going strong today. Mark is now fulfilling his lifelong ambition to live and work by the sea in Brighton where he is a Virtual Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Strategist for the best hospitality, tech and B2B brands in the UK and beyond. Mark is also a popular thought leader, speaker and broadcaster, the highlight of which being in 2018 when Mark began podcasting and his Mark McC Supersonic Food Marketing podcast hosting guests including the greatest digital mind in the world Gary Vaynerchuk plus music legends Fatboy Slim and Alan McGee (the man who discovered rock band Oasis). Mark’s podcast has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times and has reached the top 10 in the UK iTunes business charts and is a regular Top 100 podcast in multiple countries around the world helping educate, entertain and inspire both the marketing and business community. Mark is also the Campaign Director for Hospitality Rising which is an 'Be The Best' army style campaign for hospitality to help solve the hospitality recruitment crisis forever.

For Brand & Marketing Strategy & Consulting, Non Exec Director, Speaking, Hosting and Podcast queries contact:

mark@supersonic.marketing

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