Why Australians DOMINATE The NYC Hospitality Scene - Eddy Buckingham (Owner of Old Mates)
Description
Eddy Buckingham is an Australian hospitality entrepreneur behind New York City venues like Chinese Tuxedo, The Tyger, Soso’s, and Old Mates Pub. In this episode, Eddy breaks down what makes Australian hospitality travel so well, why “generosity” is not soft but strategic, and how to build a team culture that actually sticks. We also get into the realities of making money in hospitality, why viral attention is not the same as quality, and what repeat customers really signal. Plus, Eddy shares a surreal Covid-era story from Chinatown, lessons on partnerships and long-term survival, and how becoming a family man changed the way he works, without weakening the venues.
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Tuxedo Hospitality Profile
🕒 TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:33 Australian Culture + Hospitality Advantage
8:09 Building a Culture of Generosity
16:08 What Makes Hospitality Excellence
26:38 Eddy's History - Moving to NYC
38:05 Lessons From Working at The Australian
42:45 Eddy's Failed Ventures
48:21 Marketing Venues + Creating Hype
58:18 How Old Mates Came to Be
1:03:11 Philosophical Questions
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Each week I dive into the lives, habits and lessons of some of the most successful and interesting people in the world, aiming to give you useful ideas for your own life.
The show explores health, wealth and wisdom through long form conversations with unique thinkers, builders and creators.
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Hosted by Adam Metwally — @meetwally
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