Creating the Dream Team: Why Matt Believes that Investing in Staff is the Key to Success

When Matt Stanley, and his brother Nick, began Costa Taco’s journey in October 2020, they had a clear concept for what they wanted to offer: authentic Mexican cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

The Backstory

The brothers realised that the Gold Coast was like a ‘agricultural goldmine’, where farmers could produce a wide range of authentic Mexican ingredients with ease. Everything from top quality corn to limes, avocados and chillies could be supplied in abundance, due to the subtropical climate.

Their unique idea for an Australian-based eatery serving up traditional Mexican dishes, such as Beef Birria, and ‘Baja Style’ crispy fish tacos, all washed down with zesty margheritas doused in top quality tequila, provided them with a dedicated following.

But although the business started strong, with a solid core team, all of whom were passionate about the company’s vision; when it came to hiring casual staff, it became challenging to instil that same enthusiasm and loyalty into a wider team dynamic.

This case study highlights the importance of restrategising, training, and mentorship in building a thriving hospitality business. By investing in a structured HR process and fostering a strong team culture, Costa Taco has created a foundation for long-term success.

The Role of Mentorship

One of the key factors in overcoming these challenges was finding the right mentor. That’s where hospitality coach James O’Connell made a difference. With over 35 years in the industry, James has worked in nearly every role-from kitchen hand and waiter-of-the-year to restaurant owner, COO of a large hospitality franchise, and hospitality consultant. His extensive experience forms the foundation of The Hospitality Company (THC), a business dedicated to teaching hospitality and business skills to owners, managers, and key team members.

James’ mentorship helped Costa Taco refine its hiring and training strategies, ensuring that even casual staff shared the company’s vision and commitment to excellence. His insights into staff engagement, leadership, and operational efficiency have been invaluable in creating a workplace culture that fosters loyalty and long-term success.

Read the full story in the Crunch app to discover how Costa Taco transformed their hiring and training strategies.

P.S. 👀 Looking for a mentor? Look no further than the Crunch app, where hospitality coach James O’Connell hosts weekly Q&A sessions, sharing premium strategies and actionable tips. Join the conversation and gain exclusive insights to elevate your business. Click here to get started.