*SOLD OUT* The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Symposium, presented by Lightspeed
Please join us for the next Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Symposium, presented by Lightspeed where industry panellists will discuss how the hospitality industry’s revenue streams are shifting, but new opportunities still exist.
Dine-in was once the only money maker, but it’s no longer the unchallenged engine of growth for the hospitality industry. Instead, other opportunities have emerged – things like delivery, merch, pre-packaged goods, chef partnerships, brand diffusion lines and grab and go items.
Understanding your options and where to find them is increasingly central to a successful hospitality business, as is how you structure your company for 2026 and beyond.
Our Sydney host and panellists are:
Sarah Norris (Host) – Head of Good Food
Sarah Doyle – Creative Director Porteno Group and Paisano and Daughters
Federico Zanellato – Chef and Co-Owner, LuMi Dining, Lode Pies & Pastries, Restaurant Leo, Regina La Pizzeria and Freo
Chris Theodosi – Co-Founder, Happyfield
Katie Shortland – Director and Co-Founder, RaRa Ramen and Lonely Mouth
Rob Stone – Senior Director of APAC Hospitality, Lightspeed
This event is open to anyone working in hospitality, with registration via the link above.
This event is proudly supported by SevenRooms.
Meet our panellists
Sarah Doyle – Creative Director | Porteno Group & Paisano and Daughters
Sarah is a strategic visionary redefining the hospitality landscape through high-performance portfolio management and innovative urban design. At the helm of Porteno Group and Paisano and Daughters, she bridges the gap between creative storytelling and operational resilience.
From pioneering “vertical ecosystems” like the Australia Street Suites to structuring multi-faceted brands, Sarah’s work focuses on adaptability and cultural dominance.
Fredrico Zanellato – Chef and Co-Owner | LuMi Dining, Lode Pies & Pastries, Restaurant Leo, Regina La Pizzeria and Freo
Federico is a master of “vertical” expansion, bridging the gap between Michelin-level fine dining and premium casual concepts. From the precision of LuMi Dining to the artisan craft of Lode Pies, Federico applies elite technical standards across a diverse portfolio. His approach provides a blueprint for scaling culinary excellence without losing brand soul, maintaining cultural authority across every market tier.
Katie Shortland – Director and Co-Founder | RaRa Ramen & Lonely Mouth
Katie is the entrepreneurial force behind RaRa Ramen, the cult Sydney brand she scaled from a neighborhood gem to a high-growth hospitality powerhouse. Under her leadership, RaRa has expanded into major commercial hubs, including a landmark 2026 flagship at Sydney Airport.
A seasoned media lawyer and Commercial Director at Princess Pictures, Katie blends two decades of legal precision with sharp brand-building instincts.
Chris Theodosi – Co-Founder | Happyfield
Chris is the driving force behind Happyfield, one of Sydney’s most iconic café brands. After formative years at Doltone House and The Grounds of Alexandria, Chris launched Happyfield in 2020, transforming it from a pandemic-era passion project into the Good Food Guide Café of the Year.
In late 2025, Chris expanded the brand’s footprint with Happy Shop, a fast-casual diner concept that scales his signature high-energy service. Known for blending nostalgic brand identity with operational precision, Chris specializes in creating “must-visit” destinations that dominate Sydney’s competitive breakfast and lunch scene.
Rob Stone – Senior Director of APAC Hospitality, Lightspeed
Rob is a Senior Director at Lightspeed, responsible for customers and partners in hospitality in APAC. He focuses on strategy, operations and enabling people at Lightspeed to help multi-site and complex hospitality venues get more from their point-of-sale platform.
With a background spanning accounting at Ernst & Young, corporate finance at Ord Minnett and hands-on time in professional kitchens, he brings experience across finance, accounting, startups, hospitality and technology.
