TFS#241 - George Calombaris Life after MasterChef: Fueled by Passion and Love

George Calombaris is a Greek-Australian
chef, restaurateur, and former MasterChef
Australia judge celebrated for his inventive approach to
modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Over the years, he built
an empire of acclaimed restaurants under the MAdE Establishment
Group and became one of Australia’s most influential culinary
figures. Today, George continues to channel his passion for food,
mentorship, and hospitality—focusing on creating meaningful
experiences and sharing his love for cooking in new ways.


Connect with George Calombaris!


https://www.instagram.com/gcalombaris


CHAPTERS:


0:00 – Introduction


1:14 – Meet George Calombaris


1:54 – How many restaurants has George owned throughout his
career


2:16 – How Andy first discovered George through watching
MasterChef


3:36 – What George has been focused on over the past six months


5:29 – The catalyst behind George’s move and life change


7:12 – George talks about working with investors and building new
hospitality ventures


8:55 – Can restaurants achieve consistent cash flow in today’s
market?


11:55 – Would George prefer to build a pub from scratch or buy an
existing one?


13:55 – George shares his approach to designing a pub menu


16:33 – Comparing cooking to artistry and creativity in
hospitality


19:48 – What defines 80% of the customer experience in a
restaurant


22:12 – How George builds and leads his long-term hospitality
team


25:23 – The venues, pop-ups, and TV projects George is currently
managing


28:01 – How George handles finances and stays focused on what he
loves


29:21 – George talks about the real value of money for him and
his children


31:33 – George discusses his kids and teaching them work values


35:12 – How George balances work, family, and his rest days


36:37 – What dinner looks like at George’s home and his approach
to family meals


37:51 – How George has retained chefs and team members for over
15 years


39:52 – Do chefs need ownership or equity to stay motivated
long-term?


41:30 – Why George believes social media is the modern-day agora


43:36 – George’s upcoming Australian and Indian TV projects


44:56 – How MasterChef Australia came into George’s life


46:44 – George’s advice for small restaurant owners and
entrepreneurs


48:01 – George’s recent life discoveries


49:11 – George’s personal goals and focus for the next six months


50:30 – Connect with George Calombaris


51:21 – Outro