In our latest episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Knowles, a seasoned chef and the founder of Ben’s Kitchen. Ben’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and the reality of building a career in hospitality. With over 15 years in the industry, Ben shared his journey from growing up in pubs with his family to the exciting, and sometimes challenging, world of running his own catering company. Here are the invaluable insights he shared on what it takes to thrive in hospitality.
Early Start: Building Work Ethic from a Young Age
Growing up in his family’s pubs, Ben learned quickly that success in hospitality isn’t just about talent—it’s about dedication. Working alongside his parents, Ben took on responsibilities from a young age, including setting up the pub and negotiating his pocket money. For Ben, these experiences instilled a strong work ethic and respect for the hard work that goes into every part of hospitality. His advice? Start building these habits early; they become the backbone of your professional journey.
The Power of Passion: Finding Joy in the Details
Ben’s love for cooking is what has driven him through every phase of his career. He fondly remembers foraging for mussels on family holidays and turning them into meals, which ignited his passion for food. Today, that same passion fuels his work, whether he’s cooking in his kitchen or engaging with customers. In hospitality, passion isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. As Ben says, without it, the challenges become too much, but with it, even the most demanding days are fulfilling.
Challenges Build Character: Learning from the Hard Times
Hospitality is as challenging as it is rewarding, and Ben knows this firsthand. His career has been filled with tough lessons, from managing finances to handling unexpected hurdles, like the COVID-19 pandemic. One of his biggest challenges came when his company went VAT registered, leading to an unexpected tax bill. This taught Ben the importance of keeping track of his finances, pricing services accurately, and staying aware of cash flow. His takeaway? Always keep a close eye on the numbers to avoid surprises down the road.
Adaptability is Key: Pivoting During the Pandemic
When COVID-19 hit, Ben’s business had to adapt quickly. He and his team began preparing thousands of meals for NHS workers and the local community, using his catering van to deliver essentials like food and toilet paper. This initiative kept Ben’s team busy and deepened his connection with the community. His ability to pivot under pressure is a reminder that flexibility is crucial in hospitality. Whether it’s adjusting your menu or supporting your community, staying adaptable is essential for weathering any storm.
Balance Work and Family
After his daughter was born, Ben made the difficult decision to step back from his restaurant to focus on catering, which provided more work-life balance. This choice reflects the often-overlooked reality of hospitality: it’s demanding and can impact personal life. Ben’s advice is to make choices that align with your long-term goals and personal needs. He emphasizes the importance of creating time for family and making professional decisions that serve both career and personal happiness.
Customer Experience: Go the Extra Mile
For Ben, one of the most fulfilling parts of his job is seeing customers enjoy his food. He enjoys coming out of the kitchen to engage with guests, explaining dishes, and adding personal touches to the dining experience. This commitment to customer service makes a difference and is a vital part of building a memorable hospitality experience. In Ben’s words, the look on a customer’s face when they enjoy a dish is worth the effort, and going the extra mile sets a business apart.
Dream Big: But Be Practical
Ben’s ultimate goal remains to own his restaurant, a space where he can showcase his cooking without compromises. But he’s not in a rush. Instead, he’s focused on building his business, catering to high-profile events, and enjoying the flexibility that his current setup offers. He believes in dreaming big but also understands the value of waiting for the right moment. His approach shows that with patience and planning, you can achieve your goals without sacrificing what matters most.
Ben Knowles’ story is an inspiring reminder that hospitality is a journey of hard work, resilience, and passion. From handling financial challenges to finding balance with family, his advice resonates with anyone who loves the industry but faces its daily demands.
For more stories like Ben’s, tune into the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, where we share real stories from industry experts who embody the heart and soul of hospitality.
