The F&B Fightback

Australia’s hospitality sector has been one of the most deeply affected of all sectors by the shutdowns created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

With restrictions now easing across the country, operators of all sizes are looking to the future and preparing for the recovery.

So how will the hospitality industry respond and what does this mean for landlords and the property industry?

The Urban Developer has proudly assembled a panel of experts from across the hospitality sector to answer the big questions:

• How will operators respond to the re-opening of the economy?
• What can landlords do to support their tenants, now and into the future?
• How are social distancing measures being managed?
• What is the likely speed of the recovery across Australia?
• How is the design and mix of precincts likely to change into the future?
• What innovations - both physical and digital - are currently underway?

The expert panelists include:

Francis Loughran - Managing Director, Future Food

Francis Loughran, specialising in retail food and food service management, is the founding director of Future Food and has been involved in the food service industry for 35 years. Francis has built a wealth of knowledge and experience in concept development, food service strategic planning, design, retailing and food service management.

His work has taken him around the world and includes a diverse list of projects, involved in the planning and development of waterfront developments, restaurants, cafes, food courts and fresh food markets along with food service solutions for restaurant precincts, stadia, airports, mixed-use developments, leisure and entertainment precincts and corporate office towers.

Angela Bonnefin - Founder & Director, Retail Strategy Group

Angela Bonnefin has successfully earned a reputation as Australia’s principal retail and placemaking strategist.

Since establishing her first business in 1996, Angela has over the last two decades successfully integrated her retail development management, property, design and place-making skills with her ability to curate and source perfect retail partners for each project.

Her passion and pursuit of excellence and detail, combined with her collaborative approach have resulted in Retail Strategy Group being at the forefront of many complex urban mixed-use projects.

Patrick Sergi - Retail Leasing Director, United Property Services

United Property Services was born out of Patrick’s ambition to use his extensive experience in retail leasing and project developments to create his own business. With a career spanning over two decades, Patrick has earned a reputation for his conscientiousness, warm and approachable manner.

Patrick acquired specialised expertise in leasing over senior roles at Scentre Group (Owner and Manager of Westfield Shopping Centres in Australia & New Zealand), Place Management NSW, Brookfield, Vicinity Centres, Jones Lang LaSalle and Colliers International.

Patrick established United Property Services, a retail consultancy and project leasing firm, in March 2018.

Tony Cannata - Owner, Woodstock Pizzicheria

Tony Cannata has been serving his family’s Sicilian recipes to Melbourne for decades, an association dating back to the 1920s.

The man behind famed Woodstock Pizzicheria trumpets a long line of awards and recognition, including Australian Pizza Champion. He has competed in the World Pizza Championships in Napoli, Parma and Las Vegas and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world.

With four locations across Melbourne, including Chadstone Shopping Centre, he is one of Melbourne’s most highly regarded restaurateurs.