Great Customer Experience Program
Springing into Summer: The GCE Program in Full Swing With the days getting longer and the weather finally warming up, Hobart’s hospitality scene bursts into life — and so does The GCE Program. Each spring, the program hits its busiest stride as local businesses prepare for the bustling summer season ahead. New staff are being trained, menus refreshed, and venues polished, all to ensure visitors and locals alike enjoy unforgettable experiences during the peak months. While Hobart’s city centre and waterfront are well- known for their vibrant food and beverage culture, it’s been exciting to see some great producer businesses in the northern suburbs taking big steps forward in hospitality. These areas haven’t traditionally been known for leading the way in innovative experiences — but that’s changing fast. Baked Gluten Free: Heart and Community in Moonah Among the businesses taking part in recent GCE sessions is Baked Gluten Free in Moonah — a small bakery café with a big heart. Owners Jess and Chico Mackeen have cultivated a warm, community-minded space where everyone feels at home. You don’t have to be gluten intolerant to fall in love with their food — it’s simply delicious. During their GCE workshop with Dave, the focus was on strengthening what already sets them apart: great service. “The session was really valuable and it has given Chico and me lots of ideas for our staff. It’s so important that our team enjoys working here. I’ve already noticed more awareness around wastage in the kitchen, and our front-of- house team even started a competition to sell our specials! It’s been so valuable,” said Jess.
The Albert Brewery: Community, Kitchen and Craft Just around the corner, The Albert Brewery on Albert Road has become a local favourite for both Moonah residents and visitors from across Hobart. Under the leadership of Manager Jono Hess, the team has created a family-friendly, welcoming space that combines The Kitchen and Taproom — a perfect setting for enjoying authentic lagers brewed on-site, paired with great local food. The GCE session here focused on preparing the team for a big summer ahead and reinforcing what makes The Albert special: its relaxed atmosphere, quality offerings, and genuine sense of community. As Jono explained, “We have been keen to do a GCE session over the last year and finally have our team settled. It is a great opportunity to focus on our great local Moonah and Hobart experience — and what sets us apart?” Brewlab: Industrial Charm Meets Craft Culture Further north along the Brooker Highway, Brewlab blends in with the workshops on the edge of Prince of Wales Bay. Set against a gritty industrial backdrop, the café and brewery combo has become a hidden gem for both locals and visitors following the Mona trail. Owners Lesley van Tuil and Dave Lawrence have created a space that perfectly blends coffee, craft beer, and great food — all served with genuine Tasmanian hospitality. Their passion for people shines through every part of the experience, from the coffee machine to the beer taps.
Lesley shared how valuable the GCE session was for the team: “The staff were really engaged and it was great to reinforce that we’re on the right track — everyone was involved from start to finish. It was especially valuable for our newer team members — they really got a kick out of it and walked away
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review October/November Edition
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