Episode
212

From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle | Nick Inkster

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.
With
Nick Inkster
Inkster Company Limited
,
Founder
Listen on
Podbean
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about THIS EPISODE

From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle | Nick Inkster

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.

From mopping floors at 4am to running eight venues across New Zealand, Nick Inkster has built one of Christchurch's most iconic hospitality groups. It all started with OGB in 2016, created in memory of his father who always told him he was "a natural host."

What began as a single bar has evolved into Inkster Company, now employing around 140 staff across multiple venues including OGB, Austin Club, Patty McNorton's, The Church, and soon-to-open Fanny's in Nelson—their first venue outside Christchurch.

Nick credits his growth to bringing on business partners who balanced his "yes, yes, yes" enthusiasm with a more calculated approach. "I'm looking at the best outcome, they're looking at the worst outcome. It's a great combo," he explains.

The pandemic proved pivotal—rather than sitting idle, Nick used the time to expand, doubling the business by opening Austin Club and Patty McNorton's. His venues share a distinctive aesthetic, occupying historic buildings with consistent branding, uniforms and ambiance.

Challenges remain, particularly with wage costs rising from 25% to 35% of revenue over nine years. Despite this, Nick maintains a clear vision: "We're tracking where we should be in terms of our five-year plan."

Looking ahead, Nick sees Christchurch entering its "golden era" with the new stadium opening in April and infrastructure improvements revitalising the city. His ambition? Perhaps a 1,000-capacity venue near the stadium, addressing a gap in Christchurch's hospitality landscape.

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Episode
212

From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle | Nick Inkster

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.
With
Nick Inkster
Founder
,
Inkster Company Limited
Episode
211

Failing Forward: Lessons in Growth, Leadership, and Coffee Culture | Sacha Coburn

For episode 211, we sat down with Sacha Coburn. From failing her first ballet exam to leading one of New Zealand’s most loved café brands, Sacha’s journey is full of grit, humility, and lessons in leadership that stick. In this episode we talk about learning to back yourself even when you feel out of your depth, why failure is the best teacher, the balance between winging it and over preparing, and how people not spreadsheets ultimately make or break a business. Plus some laughs about ballet tights, Harvard awkwardness, and the joy and chaos of building Coffee Culture.
With
Sacha Coburn
COO
,
Coffee Culture
Episode
210

Keeping It Real in Property and Business | Ant Anderson

For episode 210, we sat down with Ant from Rosefern Homes. From humble beginnings fixing houses to building a property development company grounded in values, Ant and Paul’s approach is practical, people-first, and unapologetically hands-on. In this episode we talk about leveraging social media to find property deals, building a business that reflects your values, overcoming resistance to putting yourself out there, and the power of small, consistent actions. Plus some laughs about Pilates, smoked meats, and why authenticity beats flash every time.
With
Ant Anderson
Director
,
Rosefern Homes

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