Hospitality Heroes 2025: A Game-Changer for Hiring in Hospitality

Built on Firsthand Insight from Industry Leaders

This isn’t just theory. Hospitality Heroes 2025 takes you behind the scenes at MJMK Restaurants – the group behind award-winning venues like KOL, Casa do Frango, Lisboeta and Fonda – to reveal how their people-first strategies are helping them thrive in a competitive talent market.

You’ll hear directly from team members at every level – from general managers and chefs to recruiters and front-of-house leaders – who share how they attract, support and retain outstanding talent.

Real Voices, Real Strategies

What sets this report apart is its human focus. You’ll hear directly from:

• Matt, General Manager at Fonda, on the power of shared values in recruitment.

• Anneka, Group Operations Director, on building emotionally intelligent teams.

• Sophie, People & Recruitment Officer, on using AI to streamline hiring.

• Lewis, Head Chef, on nurturing young talent through mentoring.

• Caly, Assistant Manager, on turning workplace challenges into team wins.

• Theo, Head Waiter, on fostering a compassionate, flexible work culture.

Their stories highlight not only what works – but why it matters. You’ll find powerful insights into candidate engagement, employer branding, emotional leadership, and much more.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:

What Today’s Talent Actually Wants

Forget cookie-cutter job ads and generic benefits. People want meaning. Matt, GM at Fonda, puts it perfectly: “It’s not a dictatorship anymore. You have to listen to candidates.” He reveals how shared values, honest expectations, and long-term development are essential ingredients in successful hiring.

Smarter Recruitment Through AI

Sophie, MJMK’s People & Recruitment Officer, shares how AI is helping their team spot the right candidates faster, freeing up more time to focus on culture fit and growth potential. It’s not about replacing people – it’s about empowering recruiters to be more human, more often.

Culture That Retains and Inspires

From Anneka’s insights on building emotionally intelligent leadership to Caly’s belief in turning workplace stress into opportunity, it’s clear: successful teams are built on empathy, flexibility and a shared sense of purpose.

Chef Lewis adds, “Celebrate people. Ask about their weekend. Notice the small things.” His approach to mentoring and career development is a must-read for anyone struggling with back-of-house retention.

Tips You Can Use Right Now

Here are just a few of the top strategies you’ll find in the report and interviews:

• Be radically honest in your job descriptions – set realistic expectations.

• Use behind-the-scenes storytelling to showcase your culture online.

• Support flexible scheduling to help employees manage multiple roles.

• Build trust from day one with clear communication and feedback loops.

• Encourage referrals by making current staff your biggest advocates.

Ready to Be a Hospitality Hero?

Whether you’re trying to reduce turnover, find cultural fits faster, or inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals, Hospitality Heroes 2025 is your go-to resource.

Download the report and watch the videos now to start building a recruitment strategy that’s not only effective – but transformative.

Because in hospitality, your people are your brand. Make sure you’re hiring like it.