Innovating in the face of challenge

Le Cordon Bleu Australia is proud to share the stories of four alumni in business who have responded to unprecedented industry challenges with acts of kindness, personal resilience, and creative innovation.

A gift of patisserie to local hospital

Alumna Jeong Min Sylvester caused a stir on social media recently when she posted about her gift of patisserie to healthcare workers at the local hospital. Her best friend, a nurse at Westmead hospital, was delighted to share Jeong’s cakes and message of thanks with his fellow workers on the Covid-19 frontline.

Jeong has found an upside to her downturn in business – having extra time to spend with her children and partner - she says: ‘I'm cherishing the extra time with family, trying to find the bright side, maybe slowing down for a while is a good thing.'

Free meals for the homeless

Restaurateur Hyunwoo Kang took to the streets armed with 20 take away meals from his restaurant Plus82 Pocha, which he hand delivered to the homeless. Hyunwoo filmed his journey through Adelaide’s CBD to send out the message: “Let’s support each other, any way we can.”

Plus 82 is a partnership of Le Cordon Bleu alumni who met while studying Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management) degrees. Their entrepreneurial team owns four restaurants in Adelaide, and currently offer take away meals at Plus 82 Pocha, Plus 82 Lite and Plus 82 MiMi.

Inspirational cupcakes

Jillian Butler's star has been steadily rising - she owns a successful patisserie Jillian’s Cakery, has been published in culinary magazines, and hosts a Foxtel TV series. Facing the impact of Covid-19, Jillian began diversifying her product line, creating ‘Morning Tea Treat Boxes’ featuring cupcakes with inspirational messages to be ordered online and delivered to friends, family or work colleagues.

Jillian’s Cakery is offering take away and delivery options for Sydney customers who can't live without her trademark vintage-style cakes, cookies, pies... even coffee. “We will even hand your order to you through a car window!” she jokes.

Uniting local businesses

Sewoo Son, Head Chef and General Manager of General Chao in Sydney has teamed up with local hospitality businesses on a new online platform, HospoMarket.

A click & collect home delivery service, HospoMarket is designed to support local hospitality businesses during the Covid-19 crisis. The innovative platform delivers chef-made chilled, ready meals, meal kits and convenience items to customer's doors with the message: “In the hardest of times, we band together to achieve a true community”.