Pandemic to prosperity? The state of New Zealand's hospitality industry

Marissa Bidois, the CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, joins me to discuss the hospitality sector's plight during recent global upheavals. Marissa paints a picture of the closures that left a void in our food scene and the blossoming of new ventures that signals a culinary renaissance. The conversation homes in on the seismic shifts in labour and operating costs that have redefined survival in this post-pandemic era, discussing the implications of border lockdowns and wage escalations on the delicate fabric of the hospitality workforce. This episode isn't just about the struggles; it's also a spotlight on the silver linings and promising horizons in hospitality. The conundrum of staffing, the complexities of international recruitment, and the waning interest of local youth in hospitality careers need to be addressed. But how? Let's celebrate the unyielding spirit and hopeful outlook that's emblematic of the restaurant industry's character.