Episode 32

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Published on:

27th Apr 2026

Episode 32: Making the Most of Where You Are

Most venues are getting less out of their location than they could, not because of where it is, but because of how they're using it. This episode is about the three access points of a modern location: how guests find you, how they arrive, and how they experience the space once inside. Because your location isn't just physical anymore. It's digital, spatial, and every layer is something you can either design or ignore.

This week's actions:

1. Walk into your own venue as a first-time guest — park where they'd park, approach how they'd approach, and notice what greets you.

2. Sit in three different seats across the room and pay attention to what's loud, awkward, generous, or tight.

3. Identify one underused part of your space and one change that would turn it from leftover into a feature.

Location and space sit close together in a Pantry Review because the line between them is thinner than most operators realise. If you'd like help seeing what the room is quietly asking for, reach out to us via the email below.

Next episode: Location as a long-term decision — the second-site moment, and why location is a leadership horizon, not a one-off call.

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About the Podcast

The Prep List
Short, sharp, ready for service
Start your week with a sharper mindset and a better plan.

Hosted by Shaun de Vries from Open Pantry Co., The Prep List is your under 10-minute Monday hit of hospitality insights, made for venue owners, operators, and team leaders who don’t have time to scroll or sit through an hour-long podcast.

Each week, you’ll get:
– One trend to watch
– One tool to test
– One real-world operator move
– One smart question for your team

If you run a venue, manage a crew, or just want your week to feel a little less chaotic, this is your mise en place for the mind.

About your host

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Shaun de Vries