Crunch Time: Local Chefs talk waste, costs & what works

Your Invited: Crunch Time: Local Chefs talk waste, costs & what works

If you're feeling the pressure of rising costs and growing waste, you're not alone — but there are solutions.

Join us for a practical and inspiring conversation with three Surf Coast hospitality leaders who are making change in their kitchens, saving money and putting sustainability into action.

They will share what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to:

Cutting food waste
Navigating rising costs
Building a stronger, more sustainable business

You’ll also hear about Crunch Hospo and the Too Good To Go app – new tools helping hospitality operators turn waste into wins.

Swap tips with other local hospitality operators
Discover practical ideas you can use straight away
Be part of Surf Coast's sustainable food future

Speakers:

Matt Germanchis

Matt Germanchis, Executive Chef at Merivale’s Lorne Hotel, is committed to showcasing the Surf Coast’s local produce through a sustainable, community-focused approach. Known for his work at Captain Moonlite and now Totti’s Lorne, he sources ingredients from regional suppliers like Kinsfolk Farm and Adventura Fresh Fish, celebrating low-impact, seasonal seafood and vegetables in his menus.

Graham Jefferies

Graham Jefferies is the founder and head chef of Samesyn in Torquay, a purpose-driven restaurant known for its bold, community-focused approach to dining. Inspired by a stint at London’s zero-waste restaurant Silo, Graham opened Samesyn in 2019, quickly earning acclaim including a Good Food Guide hat in 2022. Inspired by his work with Feed Me Surf Coast, Graham reimagined the restaurant as Samesyn 2.0 a near-zero-waste venue committed to sustainability, food rescue, and social impact.

Jason Gugliotti

Graham Jefferies

Jason Gugliotti is the founder of Pollo rotisserie; a chain of premium takeaway restaurants started in Geelong and the Surf Coast and soon to become a national franchise, along with some new establishments in Torquay - Ela (formerly Bob Sugar) and Greenbay - Torquay's healthiest cafe. Macro economic factors have never been more challenging in business but knowing a few key fundamentals that will be expanded upon at this event, owning or operating a business can still be profitable and rewarding.

Access:

Samesyn is wheelchair accessible. Please email the business team at business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au if you require additional support to attend this workshop.