Business Leaders interview: Garth Bedford

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. 

Hi. I’m Garth Bedford, a chef and business owner who’s totally obsessed with all things food orientated. I run a bunch of spots like restaurants, picnics, events venue, a deli, and a butchery. From a classy bistro to relaxed cafes and picnics in the sun, I’m all about delivering a relaxed, welcoming customer experience and excellent quality, value for money, menu items. 

What motivates you in your work and what do you find most fulfilling about being a business leader?

What drives me is the thrill of creating awesome dining experiences and always finding ways to up our game. The best part of being a business leader is seeing our ideas come to life and making a difference for our customers, crew and community. It’s super rewarding to guide the team to success and watch everyone grow.

How did you develop your leadership skills and how would you define your leadership style?

I got my leadership stripes through years of hands-on work, taking the best bits that I could from my mentors, and just working on myself. I’d say my style is all about teamwork and support. I like to empower my team, keep the lines of communication open, and lead by example to achieve our targets. 

Innovating is crucial in our very diverse industry. How do you stay ahead of trends and incorporate them into your global strategy?

I keep up with trends by diving into industry news, following social media, attending culinary events, and chatting with industry friends. We do experiment with new ideas and implement if successful. We are always searching for the freshest, local ingredients, and tweaking our menus and services to keep our menus seasonal and using ingredients at their best, needing minimal manipulation. Always staying true to our core values. 

What do you consider to be the key component(s) of effective business operational development?

Effective operations are all about having a solid plan, smooth processes, and constant staff training. You need strong systems for quality, service, and stock management, plus the flexibility to adapt to operational changes and guest feedback.

How do you approach identifying areas for improvement within a company's operations?

I like to regularly check performance figures, get feedback from the team and customers, and do internal audits. By digging into the data and talking to everyone, I can spot what’s not working and make the necessary adjustments.

Where do you think the most promising investments should be focusing on and/or made on?

I’d say invest in tech to streamline operations, green practices to meet eco expectations, and staff development to boost skills and job satisfaction. These areas can really drive long-term success and help you stay competitive and sustainable.

What is or are your biggest career achievement(s)?

One of my biggest wins is the successful launch and growth of several restaurants, each with its own personality and awesome team. Building a brand that people love and that makes a mark in the food world and our community, is something that I’m really proud of.

Do you have examples where your leadership made a difference? If so, what were they?

When I led a major revamp of our restaurant operations. We worked together to improve cost control, efficiency and customer service, which has led to better results and more loyal customers.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of listening. Understanding what your team and customers need is key for making good decisions and creating a great work environment.

How did you identify and seize opportunities for advancement in your career?

I do think that I am driven by my passion for hospitality. Always wanting the best for my customers and always pushing the person above me, aside to take the next step. My grandfather once said; ‘Don’t burn any bridges’ and how I wish I had taken these words more seriously when I was younger. A person can take silly steps in life that lead to the breakdown of relationships. As we get more professionally mature, we realise that there are other ways to progress, without ‘burning bridges’ Stay open to new ideas and challenges, grab opportunities. I take smart risks, invest in myself, and stay proactive about chasing success. 

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far?

I’ve hit a lot of my career goals, but I think there’s always more to strive for. I’m all about continuous growth and jumping into new challenges to keep myself and those around me, motivated and focused.

How important is personal development to your success, and how do you approach it?

Personal development is super important. I’m committed to listening, learning, getting feedback, and diving into different opportunities. This means attending industry events, reading up on food and drink, and staying active in professional circles. And of course, dining out. 

How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels like a priority?

I tackle this by figuring out what’s most urgent and impactful. I make lists, delegate tasks, and focus on the big-ticket items first. It helps me manage my time better and address the most critical issues. List, lists, lists. 

What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?

One of the hardest decisions I’ve faced as a leader was navigating through the COVID pandemic when there was a chance of losing some of our staff. It was a tough spot, balancing the need to keep the team employed while managing the financial strain. Keeping morale high and finding ways to support everyone through such an uncertain time was incredibly challenging. But we all made it through by sticking together, adapting quickly, and keeping the lines of communication open.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

I set clear goals, monitor progress, and get feedback from my team and guests. Regular self-checks and reflecting on results help me see how I’m doing and where I can improve.

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

For me, success is about balancing business growth, happy customers, and a great team. It’s about making a positive impact, constantly innovating, and leading my team toward our shared goals.