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Hospo Dojo PodcastAuthor: Paul Ayyash
Welcome to the Hospo Dojo Podcast, your ultimate resource for mastering the art of hospitality and optimising kitchen efficiency. Join your host, Paul, as he delves into the latest trends, tips, and insights from the world of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our episodes are packed with valuable information to help you elevate your business and enhance your culinary skills. Tune in every week for interviews with industry experts, practical advice, and much more. Language: en Genres: Arts, Business, Entrepreneurship, Food Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Building a Hospitality Brand That Lasts: The Knafeh Bakery Story
Wednesday, 28 January, 2026
What does it really take to build a hospitality business that cuts through noise without losing its soul? In this episode, Paul Ayyash sits down with Ameer El-Issa, co-founder and creative director of Knafeh Bakery, of the most culturally resonant dessert and experience-driven concepts to come out of Australia and beyond. From growing up around hospitality, to studying architecture, to launching Knafeh Bakery as a tightly focused, one-product concept, Ameer’s journey is anything but conventional.Knafeh Bakery has since scaled across borders from Beirut to Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and Dubai, with brand collaborations ranging from Qantas and Formula One to Lamborghini, Microsoft, and Etihad Airways. In this episode, Ameer shares: ▪️ His journey from family hospitality roots to founding Knafeh Bakery ▪️ Why obsessing over one product can outperform complex menus ▪️ How culture and heritage shape stronger hospitality concepts ▪️ Lessons learned from pop-ups, and experiential formats ▪️ How restraint, patience, and standards create long-term sustainability ▪️ What operators often misunderstand when trying to scale too fast The result is a business that became a destination not because it tried to be everything, but because it was clear about what it was. For operators and founders who want to play the long game, this episode is filled with valuable insights. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @paulayyash @hospodojo @papa_baker @knafehbakery
