Ep 296 – Building a Bagel Empire: Inside Benjamin Vaughan’s, Mile End Journey

In this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Vaughan, CEO and Co-Founder of Mile End Bagels, to unpack the story behind one of Melbourne’s most beloved bagel institutions.Ben shares his journey from launching a crepe stall at Melbourne Uni with a $5,000 credit card to building a cult-followed brand known for its Montreal-style bagels, strong culture, and unwavering commitment to quality.We dive into the realities of running and scaling a hospitality business, understanding your numbers, building a dedicated team, crafting a standout product, and navigating growth with intention. Ben also shares insights into Mile End’s menu development, customer experience philosophy, and his plans to expand into Sydney and Brisbane.A warm, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and what it truly takes to build a brand that lasts.Guest info:mile-end.com.au / @mile_end_bagelsConnect with POH:principleofhospitality.com / @principle_of_hospitalityFor Brand Strategy, Design & Creative Support:principledesign.com.au / @principledesignA big thank you to Pay.com.au for sponsoring this episode and for their continued support of Australia’s hospitality industry.Pay.com.au, is a payment platform that rewards your business for doing what it already does every day: paying suppliers, rent, utilities and more. Learn more at Pay.com.au, today!Mentioned in this episode:Pay.com.au