JP Afflick, owner of Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach, shares his 25-year journey with the iconic Australian restaurant brand.

Starting out at Hog’s Breath Darwin in 1995, JP reflects on the early days of the brand’s culture, energy, and sense of family that shaped his passion for hospitality.

In Episode 132 - After co-owning the Byron Bay Hog’s Breath and spending years building ventures across tech, software, and even world record motorcycle racing, JP’s story comes full circle as he returns to the Hog’s Breath family as an owner once again.

In this episode, JP discusses the importance of systems, service, and culture in running a successful restaurant, his hands-on approach to leadership, and the teamwork behind operating the “OG” Airlie Beach store. He also shares his vision for the future, focused on legacy, loyalty, and keeping the Hog’s Breath experience alive for years to come.

0:00 Introduction

0:31 Where it all began — JP’s first steps into the Hog’s Breath family

1:53 JP’s early days working at Hog’s Breath in Darwin

2:54 JP’s first experience as a Hog’s Breath business owner in Byron Bay

4:50 JP’s career beyond Hog’s Breath and the ventures he built along the way 

5:53 How JP shifted from running restaurants to starting a software business

8:44 What land speed racing taught JP about business and leadership 

9:27 How JP returned to the Hog’s Breath family and became owner of Airlie Beach 

11:53 JP’s hands-on approach to running the Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach store

12:36 JP’s thoughts on starting a business partnership and taking a leap of faith

13:11 The crucial role of service and hospitality in every Hog’s Breath restaurant

14:12 JP’s long-term vision for Hog’s Breath Airlie Beach and what’s next

15:33 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by Franchise Business HUB

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