EXP Hospitality Consulting by Frank Fawkner
Frank is the owner of EXP. Restaurant in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley—a multi-award-winning, hatted restaurant that has been recognised with two Chef’s Hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and one chef hat (2023, 2024, 2025). EXP. has also received Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best Destination Dining Award’ (2024) and was a Top 5 Finalist in the Gourmet Traveller National Restaurant Guide (2024), along with Top 25 restaurants in NSW in 2023 & 2024. Not only celebrated by the critics EXP was awarded number 1. in the Travellers Choice Awards by TripAdvisor 2024 ‘Best Of The Best Restaurants’.
In addition to EXP., Frank successfully operated Fawk Foods, a busy and profitable café, for five years. His expertise spans restaurant launches, menu and wine program development, staff training, workflow optimisation, and delivering memorable guest experiences. Frank’s hands-on approach and proven track record make him a trusted partner for hospitality businesses seeking sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Frank offers consulting services for hospitality businesses seeking to elevate their guest experience, menu, and operations, drawing on experience leading one of Australia’s most celebrated regional dining destinations.
Service Offerings
1. Restaurant Operations Audit
- Workflow assessment (front & back of house)
- Staffing structure and scheduling review
- Supplier management and cost control
2. Menu & Beverage Program Development
- Menu engineering for profitability and seasonality
- Wine list curation (with Hunter Valley/local focus)
- Menu costing and supplier sourcing
3. Financial Performance & Profitability
- Cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis
- Expense review and margin improvement
- Pricing strategy
4. Staff Training & Retention
- Onboarding and skills training programs
- Staff engagement and retention strategies
- Leadership development for management
5. Customer Experience Enhancement
- Guest journey mapping and service standards
- Feedback systems and reputation management
- Loyalty and retention programs
6. Event Consulting
- Private dining and event planning
- Off-site catering strategy and logistics
7. Venue Opening & Launch Consulting
- Ground-up support for new venues or relaunches
- Concept development, licensing, and compliance
- Pre-opening checklists, supplier sourcing, and team training
- Launch event planning and execution
Optional/Additional Services
- New restaurant concept development/startup consulting
- Supplier negotiation and sourcing
- Mystery diner/secret shopper evaluations
Pricing Structure
Hourly Consulting
- $120/hr (remote/virtual, small venues, or focused tasks)
- $150/hr (on-site, larger venues, or complex projects)
Half-Day & Full-Day Packages
- Half-day (4 hours): $480 (remote) / $600 (on-site)
- Full day (8 hours): $960 (remote) / $1,200 (on-site)
Monthly Retainer
- 1 day/week: $1,920/month (remote) / $2,400/month (on-site)
- 2 days/week: $3,840/month (remote) / $4,800/month (on-site)
- Custom packages available to suit client needs
Travel & Expenses
- $0.80/km for travel outside local area
- Accommodation and meals at cost if overnight required
Introductory Offer
- Free 45-minute consultation (phone, Zoom, or in-person if local)
Example Service Packages
A. “Quick Win” Audit
- One-day on-site workflow and menu review
- Written summary with 3–5 actionable recommendations
- $1,200 + travel
B. “Profit Booster” Package
- 2 weeks of remote and on-site support (2 days/week)
- Operations, menu, and financial review + staff training
- $4,800 + travel
C. “Venue Launch Support”
- End-to-end consulting for new or re-launched venues
- Pre-opening planning, supplier sourcing, team recruitment, launch event
- Custom pricing based on venue size and needs
Contact
Frank Fawkner
Phone: 0422 019 270
Email: frank@exprestaurant.com.au
Location: Hunter Valley, NSW
This document outlines the core consulting services, pricing, and example packages available. For tailored solutions or to discuss your venue, please reach out for a complimentary consultation.
