May 5. Football. FA Cup Final. Wembley.
May 12. Horse Racing. BTC Brisbane Cup.
May 19. Horse Racing. Doomben Cup.
May 23. Rugby League. Game 1 QLD v NSW. Ethiad Stadium. Melbourne.
May 27 – June 10. Tennis. French Open.

June 5. Rugby Union. Australia v Scotland. Ausgrid Stadium. Newcastle.
June 5. Horse Racing. Stradbroke. Brisbane.
June 9. Rugby Union. Australia v Wales. Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane.
June 13. Rugby League. QLD v NSW. Game 2 State of Origin. ANZ Stadium. Sydney.
June 16. Rugby Union. Australia v Wales. Ethiad Stadium. Melbourne.
June 23. Rugby Union. Australia v Wales. ANZ Stadium. Sydney.
June 23. Cricket. One Day International. Australia v Ireland. Belfast.
June 25 – July 6. Tennis Wimbledon. London.
June 29. One Day International. Australia v England. Lords. London.
June 30 – July 22. Tour de France

July 1. One Day International. Australia v England. The Oval. London.
July 4. Rugby League. QLD v NSW. Game 3. State of Origin. Suncorp Stadium.
July 7. One Day International. Australia v England. Durham.
July 27-28. Rugby Union. Super Rugby Semi Finals.
July 27 – August 12. Olympic Games. London.

August 4. Rugby Union. Super Rugby Grand Final.
August 18. Rugby Union. Australia v New Zealand. ANZ Stadium. Sydney.
August 25. Rugby Union. Australia v New Zealand. Eden Park. Auckland.
August 27. Tennis. US Open. New York.
August 29-September 9. Paralympics. London.

September 4-9. Rugby League. Finals. Week one.
September 4-9. AFL. Finals. Week one.
September 8. Rugby Union. Australia v South Africa. Perth.
September 4-9. Rugby League. Finals. Week two.
September 14-15. AFL. Finals. Week two.
September 15. Rugby Union. Australia v Argentina. Gold Coast.
September 21-22. Rugby League. Finals. Preliminary Finals.
September 21-22. AFL. Finals. Preliminary Finals.
September 29. AFL Grand Final.
September 29. Rugby Union. Australia v South Africa. Pretoria.
September 30. Rugby League. NRL Grand Final.

October 6. Rugby Union. Australia v Argentina. Buenos Aires.
October 6. Horse Racing. Epsom Handicap. Randwick. Sydney.
October 20. Horse Racing. Caulfield Cup. Melbourne.
October 27. Horse Racing. Cox Plate. Moonee Valley. Melbourne.

November 3. Horse Racing. Victoria Derby. Flemington. Melbourne.
November 6. Horse Racing. Melbourne Cup. Flemington. Melbourne.
November 8. Horse racing. Ladies Day. VRC Oaks. Flemington. Melbourne.
November 25. Horse Racing. Japan Cup.

December 26-30. Australia v Sri Lanka.

No doubt the biggest event of the year will be the London Olympics. You can check out http://www.london2012.com/ for all details. Prior to the Games I will be producing an eBook and a FREE iPhone App on the Olympic. Tell you more about that in another article.

My most inspiring Olympic athlete, Derek Redmond, never won a medal at the Olympics. But he did perform an amazing feat, in 1992, that you will probably remember. I invite you to meet Derek at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04sLWNj3MkE. Or simply search Google for: Derek Redmond – Max Hitchins.
Derek Redmond – Max Hitchins

“Be FAMOUS for something!”

What is your Pub famous for?

Bill Marvin, the Restaurant Doctor in America, has always preached the message that all successful Restaurants are successful because they are FAMOUS for something. So, what are you famous for?

Recently, Sallee and I attended the South Australian Hotels Association Awards night. (A superbly organised night). Whilst in Adelaide, we called in on the Hilton Hotel in the suburb of Hilton in Adelaide. They had recently won the AHA competition for South Australia’s Best Pub Burger Competition. (Licensee James Franson, the Licensee is a big supporter of the AHA Awards.)

Proudly they had a huge sign on the building telling the passing trade all about their win. And the burger in the sign looked so good it makes you want to go in to order a hamburger.  (Which we did….FANTASTIC!) We spoke to the very experienced Hotel Manager, Steve Clancy, about the sign and the business the sign was attracting. “We are having trouble keeping up with the orders for Burgers, Max.” he said.  Ummmmmmm…that works for me!

So, again I ask “What are you FAMOUS for?”

Have a FANTASTIC week. We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73
max@thebestpub.com.au
Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
sallee@thebestpub.com.au
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PS. Accounts Crosbie Warren and Sinclair, our THEBestPub.com.au NSW and QLD Experts now have an Office in Queensland. Ph: 1800 234 000
Fax: 02 4923 4040:     Email: office@cws.biz

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The judge said ‘cake’ is food


As I think you know we hand pick and invite specialist Hotel Industry firms from all States to be our THEBestPub.com.au Experts. This way we stay ahead of the competition and provide you with the sharpest industry knowledge available.

Our Expert Lawyers for NSW are Slater and Elias and they recently won a decision that we think will have implications for all Licensees. Hence, this email is a little longer than usual…but I think you will want to read it!
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A Court recently dismissed a charge that a hotel failed in its duty to make “food” available to patrons, when hotel staff offered cake to an undercover policeman.

The Liquor Act (sec 17(4)) requires that whenever a hotel trades, “food of a nature and quantity consistent with the responsible…service of alcohol” must be available. The Act contemplates that regulations may prescribe what “food” satisfies the definition, but no such regulations have been prescribed.

An undercover Police Sergeant recently visited a NSW South Coast hotel at 11.45 pm. He asked a staff member “Can I purchase some food, like pies, sausage rolls or sandwiches?” The reply was “we only have cake or packet chips”, with the bar attendant pointing to a glass container holding two or three cakes.

Police argued that the hotel was in breach of its obligations, as cake and packet chips did not meet the statutory requirement. Police argued that something more ‘substantial’ than cake is required.

Represented by Slater & Elias and Anthony Hatzis, Barrister, the hotel argued that cake is in fact “food”, as it is ingested by being eaten, provides nourishment and is solid. The hotel argued that the RSA purpose of making ‘food’ available is to metabolise alcohol, break down its effects on the body and thereby minimise the impact of alcohol on patron behaviour. Cake is just as effective in meeting these purposes than sandwiches or sausage rolls.

The hotel also referred to the fact that the 2007 Liquor Act had relaxed the previous requirement to provide at least a “light meal”.

Magistrate Fleming upheld the hotel’s submissions, held that cake is “food” which satisfies the definition and dismissed the charge.
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Ummmm…thought you would want to read that!

Have a FANTASTIC week. We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73
max@thebestpub.com.au
Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
sallee@thebestpub.com.au
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PS. If you have a contentious legal matter you might want to think about calling Rod Slater or Lauren O’Brien at Slater and Elias on 02 9221 1088.

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Australia’s #1 Hotel   …The Coogee Bay

On Sunday night, at the 2011 AHA National Awards, the Coogee Bay Hotel, in the Sydney suburb of Coogee, won the very prestigious and well deserved award – Overall Hotel Of The Year.

In our ebook, 25 Lucrative Gaming Ideas (see http://www.hospitalitydoctor.com/products.html) I tell of meeting Jim Thorne, when he was the Gaming Manager of the very successful Coogee Bay Gaming Room. I shot a video interview with him and asked, “What is the best gaming promotion you currently do?”

Without hesitation he answered “Customer Service.”

And I followed up with, “But what do you actually do…to give that ‘customer service’ you mention. And what do you do to make me ‘feel good’ as a customer?”

If you have a Gaming Room or any interest in Gaming I recommend you watch the video by clicking on the picture of the ebook above.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73
max@thebestpub.com.au
Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
sallee@thebestpub.com.au
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PS. H&L are our National Technology Experts. They really do ‘stand out from the herd.’ Last time Ross Henderson was in Sydney I shot a video with him. Ross explains WHY H&L stand out from the herd.  Click the picture on the right to meet Ross.

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Peter and Jane Harris and their son Jordan run an outstanding Hotel – The Hotel Gosford – in the NSW provincial city of Gosford.

They are outstanding operators who never stop doing things in their Hotel. Some years ago they recognised the importance of building a datasbase and using it as a major major marketing tool.  The database now numbers in excess of 5000 ‘active’ customers. And that adds value to the hotel!

If you are ever anywhere near Gosford I recommend you take the opportunity to call in and see this well extremely run family run operation. It is a real eye opener.

Recently when I was in Gosford I did a video interview with Peter. Click on Peter’s picture to meet him and see some of the promotions they do at the Hotel Gosford.

Have a FANTASTIC week. We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73
max@thebestpub.com.au
Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
sallee@thebestpub.com.au
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PS. Peter Harris is a big fan of our TheBestPub NSW hotel specialist accountants – Crosbie, Warren & Sinclair. Click here to hear why.

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Recently, in Prague – Czechoslovakia, I wondered why a particular food shop was so busy. The shop was really just a ‘hole in the wall.’ So why was it so much busier than the others?

So early next day, before the customers arrived, I went back to photograph this hole in wall to try to endeavour to analyse why it was so popular.  Certainly their products were excellent but tourists would not necessarily know that. I think the real draw card was just the simplicity and effectiveness of the signage!

And I thought about the many pubs in Australia that have premium space available to market their product and their business. And too often the most innovative thing done with this space is to give it to a brewery to market beer. Ummmmmm.  I think we can do better! Check out the ‘hole in the wall’ pic below below and see what I mean.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73
max@thebestpub.com.au
Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
sallee@thebestpub.com.au
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PS. When did you last have your security checked? As you are recognised as an industry leader on TheBestPub.com.au our NSW expert – Grade One Monitoring – will do a complimentary report (usually valued at $550) for you.

Call Nick Psalia direct on 0419 227 539   or  John Papps direct on 0411 654 410

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Easier way to increase sales As an alternative to spending heaps of money on trying to get new customers through the doors, smart operators concentrate on the ones already there. I saw the best example of this recently, in a gorgeous German town, on the Rhine, called Miltenberg. A small Restaurant in this delightful village had the best looking dessert menu I have ever seen…and everyone in the Restaurant was ordering desserts. Can you blame them? Check out the menu below. Have a FANTASTIC week. Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73 max@thebestpub.com.au Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149 sallee@thebestpub.com.au +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PS. When did you last have your security checked? As you are recognised as an industry leader on TheBestPub.com.au our NSW expert – Grade One Monitoring – will do a complimentary report (usually valued at $550) for you. Call Nick Psalia direct on 0419 227 539   or  John Papps direct on 0411 654 410 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Last week I met with Charles Van Goch in Amsterdam.  He is the Founder, the Managing Director, the CEO and  the Algemeen Director of the Netherlands based Staff Recruiting and Training Company Mise en Place. We first met when I spoke at an industry Conference he had organised in Maastricht.  (Now one of my most favourite places in the world.) Charly is enthusiastic, energetic and effective – a real hospitality industry professional. I had asked him to research the trends in Europe in the Hospitality Industry. I wanted to shoot a series of video interviews with him so I could bring you the very latest European information. There are some very interesting things happening here that are imperative for you to know about…if you want to keep ahead of the game. Click on the picture above to meet Charly and hear this first video interview when he talks about the Sheconomy. We will talk again soon. **Max Hitchins – The Hospitality Doctor – with Secrets, Tips, Tonics and Remedies to fill your Rooms, Restaurants and Bars** max@hitchins.com.au   International Telephone:  + 61 419 53 63 73 (Within Australia): 0419 53 63 73 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PS. You may remember I recommended to always carry a camera.  I have a heap of ideas and information I have captured on camera.  I will also be sharing these with you in upcoming emails. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Working Women’s Wednesday Saw this great idea in the USA and thought it was a great promotion. I am sure it would work just as well in Australia. The Fox and Hound English Pub and Grille in the OHIO, USA, does an extremely successful great promotion called Working Women’s Wednesday. Every Wednesday between 5pm and 8pm they pamper women with free psychic readings, hand massages, manicures and flowers. The chain operates forty nine outlets throughout America and all of them do  this promotion. The evening promotes networking, showcases the Pub and builds a database. They provide a free buffet and offer other local businesses the opportunity to participate by giving away gift certificates for jewellery, furniture, salon services. We’ll talk again next Tuesday. Have a FANTASTIC week. Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73 Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149 max@thebestpub.com.au sallee@thebestpub.com.au +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PS. We know you are constantly on the look out for good reliable suppliers. So we decided to make that job a  whole lot easier for you by creating a TheBestSuppliers website, showcasing Australia’s best hospitality suppliers and specials. Here you will find the BEST suppliers for cutlery, chemicals, kitchenware, cleaners, glassware, accounts, waste removal, landscapers, Point of Sale, recycling, recruitment, beverages, furniture, clothing and lots more.     Click on the tap on the left to take you to the page. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Need a security check? Call Nick Psalia (0419 227 539) from Grade One Security. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was in 1995, at a similar Business Breakfast, that I first heard futurist Craig Rispin speak about something called The Internet. Immediately after the breakfast I gathered three other people together and suggested we should approach Craig and ask him to teach us all there was to know about this new thing called The Internet. We figured it would take about six months to achieve this goal! (and I can hear you saying __And how did that work out for you?__

Well, sixteen years later we are still doing regular sessions with Craig. We are still attempting to learn all there is to know about The Internet. In between times the Internet has produced many Pots Of Gold for many people, me included. I am very happy to share my Internet stories and experiences with audiences, as I believe there are still many Pots Of Gold left out there.

I have compiled an abbreviated version of the presentation. If you would like a copy of this, simply send me an email to max@hitchins.com.au asking for it.
We will talk again soon.

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73 Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149
max@thebestpub.com.au sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS. No Luck involved here…just management of dripping taps! Did you know that one drop of water per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year? If your post mix is doing the same the cost of your waste will amount to $17,280. ?
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Now, Jamie Warren, from the Jamberoo Hotel, Jamberoo  (South of Sydney) has added a new dimension to this simple idea. After you stay at their Historic Family Hotel you receive a note from The Warren’s thanking you for staying with them. (And I ask “When did you last receive a note from a hotel or motel you stayed at?”)

And cleverly, in the the email, Jamie tells the guest that The Jamberoo is proudly a member of the web site THEbestPub.com.au. He goes on to tell the guest as a ‘thank for staying with us’ he wants to introduce them to other outstanding properties an ‘shout’ them a drink. He  invites them to download complimentary drinks at Pubs all around Australia.  All they need do is go to http://www.thebestpub.com.au/freebies.php

Ummmmm…..great idea!

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS.  Did you know a tap that drips one drop of water per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year?

H&L are the National Systems Specialists for THEBestPub.com.au. Click here to meet Adam Skinner, NSW State Manager for H&L, and hear about some of the services they provide.

via The Best Pub.

Lauren has had a meteoric rise to her present position. Four year ago, as a 22 year old,  Lauren began working at Lenna of Hobart as a casual Food and Beverage attendant.  By August 2010 she had risen through the ranks to become the General Manager. At 26 years of age she is probably the youngest General Manager in Australia. WOW!

And Lenna of Hobart is no ordinary hospitality property. It was built in 1874 and oozes all the charm and grace of the era. It is a fifty five room multi award winning property. It is located just a stone throw from Salamanca Place where nearby, at race time, you will find all the Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart yachts moored.

Recently, when I was in Hobart, I was fortunate to meet and interview Lauren. I found her inspirational, motivational and discovered she is a strong believer in staff training. Perhaps you might circulate this email to all management staff suggesting they click here to ‘meet’ her, via video. I think they and you will find it very beneficial.

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS. Next week I will be in Adelaide where I look forward to interviewing award winning hoteliers in South Australia. And I will be talking to H&L’s Tony Cavaiuolo. H&L  is our National Technology Experts.They focus on delivering technology solutions to the Hospitality Industry. See: http://powerofpos.com

via The Best Pub.

“I want to be the best chef available” was Ronny’s reply….and now…he has been recognised as such.

I shot a video of Chef Ronny and Chef David Park preparing one of the Gallagher Hotel Management’s Signature Dishes – Lamb Shanks. This video has now been downloaded, as of this morning, 21,016 times.  Imagine if 10% of those downloaders visited a GHM hotel to try the Lamb Shanks. WOW!  It makes shooting the video is a very successful marketing idea.

You might think about doing a video of your Chef.  Call me on 041953 63 73 if you need any help or advice about how to do it. Click here to check out the Lamb Shanks Video. And click on Ronny’s picture to ‘meet’ Ronny and get a fascinating inside into how a Chef thinks.

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS. This week I am working in Adelaide. Tony Cavaiuolo from H&L has arranged for me to interview H&L client The Goodward Park Hotel. H&L is our National Technology Expert. The company’s focus is on delivering technology solutions to the Hospitality Industry. See: http://powerofpos.com

via The Best Pub.

Recently, when I was in Adelaide, Tom’s wife Lara told me they would soon be renovating and revitalizing this cleverly themed hotel.  So I asked would she take me through the property and allow me to shoot video. I wanted to show you the innovative thinking and planning that went into the initial Bombay Bicycle Club.

And, knowing how clever the Hannah’s are, I have already asked if I can shoot another video after the renovations are completed. I just know they will do something special.

Click here to meet Lara and walk through the Bombay Bicycle Club with me.

We’ll talk again after Easter.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS. If you would like to share the story of any of your Easter promotions you do please send me an email me at max@hitchins.com.au and I will write about it in an upcoming email.

via The Best Pub.

I’m talking about The Hilton that won an award for Best Redeveloped Hotel in South Australia; the Best Marketed Hotel in South Australia; the Best Gaming Room in South Australia and the Hilton where James Franzon is the licensee.

Recently, when I was in Adelaide, James walked me through the hotel and I shot a video while doing so.

On the video you will see and hear the clever story of the impressive My Bar with its’ 8 x 65 inch TV sets. You will hear the clever story behind its naming. And you will see and hear the story of the Beer Towers that are hugely popular with My Bar customers.  Click here to meet James and watch the video.

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS.  Next week, The Hilton’s Manager – Steve Clancy – will tell how they save $10,000 a year on their power bills. Ummmmmmm…that’s goooooood!

via The Best Pub.

When I was in Adelaide recently I met Steve Clancy. He is the Manager of The Hilton Hotel in the suburb of Hilton in Adelaide.

We spoke about how important it is to watch all costs associated with running hotels and of the soaring cost of electricity.

When he told of a way they have implemented at ‘The Hilton’ to save up to $10,000 a year on electricity I had to video it for you. Click here to hear more about it.

Like to know more about it?  Talk to Steve Clancy at:    08 8443 8404.

We’ll talk again next Tuesday.

Have a FANTASTIC week.

Max Hitchins 0419 53 63 73

max@thebestpub.com.au

Sallee Hitchins 0414 776 149

sallee@thebestpub.com.au

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PS.  Did you know if you put a piece of timber, cardboard or pine board between your gas cylinder and your cold cellar floor you will add up to two kegs more out of your cylinder?

via The Best Pub.