EP#255 ~ Meet Petko, the hospitality entrepreneur ahead of his time

Small Biz Matters: RealBizStories ~ Episode #255        
Broadcast date: 11 Feb 2025
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Petko Petkov, FoodTech Founder of CHEFIN

Welcome to 2025! Here on Small Biz Matters we’re bringing you small business success stories designed to inspire, guide and give you the motivation to achieve your smallbiz dreams. There’s loads of stories of success out there from all corners of the small business community from those who can see into the future of the industry or those who have overcome massive barriers to achieve their small business dreams right here in Australia. Today is one of those stories.

Imagine being ahead of the curve. You can see the future for an industry but know that change and innovation takes time and you’re planning on bringing an entire trade along for the ride. You know your ideas are solid and the future... but others doubt your journey.

If you think small business is tough, imagine starting a hospitality business. And if you think hospitality  is tough, try doing breaking into an entirely new and innovative way of working in an industry!

That’s the story of Petko Petkov. He took a background managing global projects for industry global giants, partnered it with a passion for food and small business and turned it into an innovative tech baby. And that was long before apps and tech was a thing.

In the first episode for 2025 sit back and listen to a remarkable story of resilience, innovation and pure grit.  

YOUR REAL BIZ STORY – Tell us about your business and why you started Chefin?

Running a successful business, particularly in hospitality in Australia is challenging. What keeps you going?

LESSONS LEARNED – Hindsight’s a wonderful thing. What would you tell your entrepreneurial self if you could go back in time? What’s the biggest headache as a business owner and keeps you from doing what you love? What was the lesson you learned from COVID?

WHO DO YOU REACH OUT TO? - Who do you call on when you need help and support?

WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER? - What do you think businesses can do to improve the sector as a whole. Do you feel that representative groups are helping to represent your needs as a business owner? What is the one policy the Government can change to make life easier and help you succeed?

About CHEFIN: Picture this: a world where every meal is an extraordinary experience crafted by talented chefs. Welcome to CHEFIN, a network of independent Chefs. By accessing top-tier culinary talent through the CHEFIN platform, individuals and businesses can create unforgettable dining experiences & deliver remarkable hospitality for their guests.

About our guest: Founder & CEO of CHEFIN, Petko boasts 15 years of Consumer Insights & Data experience. He has led sales & operations teams in 12 countries and managed global projects for companies like BP (Carrebean oil spill PR disaster response), Uber's strategic roll out in Asia Pacific, Google's acquisition of YouTube, Nokia's launch in Africa, various NPD projects for Mars, Unilever, Pfizer & Coca-Cola. Petko was part of the Australian launch of global opinion company YouGov Plc.