What It Takes to Build a Venue People Remember w/ Jimmy Hurlston

What happens when you walk away from a safe career to chase a love for burgers and shape a city’s food culture?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jimmy Hurlston — burger expert, author, and founder of Easy’s (the rooftop train-carriage venue in Melbourne) and Palomino Sandwiches on the Gold Coast.

Jimmy’s journey is anything but conventional. From writing one of the first Australian books dedicated to burgers, to pioneering Melbourne’s burger boom and building venues that became cult favourites, Jimmy shares what it really takes to back yourself in hospitality.

We covered:

• The story behind Easy’s and how a rooftop train carriage became an iconic venue
• Why keeping menus simple and consistent is the key to longevity
• How customer psychology shapes menu pricing
• Why supporting competitors can strengthen the entire industry
• His advice for young entrepreneurs on risk, timing, and resilience

If you’re dreaming of building your own venue, Jimmy’s lessons will push you to think differently, stay consistent, and embrace the struggles that lead to growth.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

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