Overview
In this inaugural episode of the Talking Hospitality podcast, formerly known as "Timothy Put the Kettel On", hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Sarah Kettel delve into the transformative and inspiring stories coming out of the hospitality industry amidst the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Both experts in their fields, they share personal experiences and stories that highlight the resilience and adaptability of the hospitality sector.
Why Listen?
This episode is not just an eye-opener but a heart-warmer, painting a picture of an industry that does more than serve meals and offer beds—it builds community, solves problems, and, above all, shows unparalleled resilience in the face of adversity.
You'll come away with newfound respect and admiration for the people who make hospitality what it is, especially when times are tough.
Key Points
Pivot to Survival: Sarah shares her firsthand experience of rapidly transitioning her restaurant into an online food ordering service. Within 24 hours, her team was able to switch from serving office workers to delivering food for home reheating, exemplifying the industry's incredible adaptability.
Psychological Toll: Timothy discusses the emotional challenges faced by hospitality professionals. Being "people, people," many found the lack of interaction during lockdowns akin to a "grieving process," highlighting how intrinsic social interactions are to the industry.
Community Outreach: Timothy cites an inspiring example involving St. Mungo's charity. A TV location catering company was able to provide meals for thousands of homeless people housed in hotels, demonstrating how the industry's logistical and creative abilities can serve broader community needs.
Underestimated Skillset: Sarah asserts that hospitality professionals have a wide pool of transferable skills that are often overlooked. She recounts the story of how furloughed workers seamlessly transitioned into frontline roles in supermarkets and food deliveries.
🎧 Tune in to listen to the full episode for more touching stories and deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of the hospitality industry.
