Maria Kucherhan
CEO
At My Local Foodie, we’re a team who genuinely care about helping hospitality businesses thrive by working closely with our distributors, clients, and stakeholders to make kitchen operations more efficient and profitable. Our Client Success team supports hundreds of venues across Australia with hands-on guidance and tailored solutions whilst our Business Support and Procurement teams ensures businesses get the right products at the right price by partnering with trusted distributors and manufactures. Our mission is simple - We empower businesses to thrive by leveraging technology to improve processes and experiences and reduce the cost of doing business.
Belinda Pannunzio
Head of Business Development & Client Success
Food has always been my passion, and with over 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to run a successful hospitality business. Owning and operating a food manufacturing company gave me firsthand insight into the challenges of managing supply chains, controlling costs, and securing fair pricing. That’s why My Local Foodie’s mission resonates so strongly with me. We’re here to support businesses, both big and small, with smart tools to make it easier to thrive. Being surrounded by like-minded food lovers who highly value community, local businesses, cutting edge innovation and technology, makes my work so rewarding and as a result, it excites me to help our clients build long-term success.
Melen Chenn
Head of Business Support
As Head of Business Support, I focus on optimising operations, streamlining procurement, and enhancing financial processes to drive efficiency. With a background in business development, account management, and financial analysis, I take a data-driven approach to improving workflows and strengthening client relationships. At My Local Foodie, we’re all about making kitchen management easier and procurement more cost-effective so I ensure our team provides distributors, manufacturing partners, and clients with the tools and insights they need to achieve these results and long-term success.
David Carnovale
Client Success Manager
My 20 year hospitality journey has led me from my family’s kitchen through to some incredible experiences - cooking at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, preparing meals for the British Royal Family, and launching award-winning venues like the WestWaters Hotel and Entertainment Complex. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to run high-performing kitchens and manage large-scale operations. With food as my passion, I am now part of My Local Foodie where I get to combine that passion with technology. By leveraging data-driven insights, I help large venue groups and clubs with solutions to make smarter decisions, streamline operations, and optimise profitability, this making my work incredibly rewarding.
Dan Crocker
Client Success Manager
With 15 years as a chef across New Zealand and Australia, I’ve lived the fast-paced reality of hospitality where efficiency, quality, and adaptability are everything. Now, at My Local Foodie, I’m using my firsthand experience to help businesses optimise their operations with our leading hospitality software, Costimator. I work alongside chefs, managers, and owners to streamline processes, control costs, and drive sustainable growth, and being part of a team that helps to facilitate this and champion local businesses, is incredibly rewarding. Together, we’re all making a real impact, and I’m here to help our clients succeed.
Nathan Reed
Client Success Manager
Food is my way of life and after 25 years in hospitality across three continents, I’ve done it all from Head Chef to General Manager, and everything in between. Texas BBQ, Vietnamese Bánh Mì and English Fish & Chips, you name it - I’ve eaten it, cooked it and costed it. Since joining My Local Foodie, I’ve been helping venues across Australia optimise their P&L with the help of our Costimator platform. Personable and approachable, I roll up my sleeves, work side-by-side with chefs, listen to what’s needed and deliver tailored solutions with tangible results that make a real difference. Nothing beats seeing our clients succeed, and I’m proud to be part of a team that shares my love for food and innovation.
Alex Farquhar
Client Success Manager
With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Alex has established a strong reputation for excellence across Queensland and Victoria. Managing multiple venues and owning several retail wine businesses, Alex combines a passion for food, wine, and music with a sharp eye for detail—knowing full well that precision matters, especially when it comes to percentages in business. An advocate for technology-driven efficiency, Alex continually seeks innovative solutions to streamline processes, improve systems, and boost profitability. Currently serving as the Queensland Customer Success Manager for My Local Foodie, Alex is proud to represent a company dedicated to empowering hospitality businesses with a clear direction and purpose, all supported by a fantastic team of industry professionals.
Iain Capovilla
Client Success Coordinator
Being part of the My Local Foodie team excites me. Having worked in some of Melbourne’s most iconic hotels and venues such as Avanti at Witchmount, Chill Restaurant, Rydges Bell City Hotel, and the Phoenix Hotel Point Cook (where I worked alongside our very own Dave!) I now use my experience to support clients to operate at optimal efficiency. As a former chef, I know the daily pressures of running a kitchen; balancing food costs, managing suppliers, and keeping service running smoothly and by helping clients make the most of our leading kitchen management system Costimator, they can now control costs and focus on what matters most to them - creating great food.
Lucy Hastings
Business Support Coordinator
With more than 20 years in events, technology, and entertainment, I was drawn to My Local Foodie’s mission to help hospitality businesses thrive with smart technology and cost-effective solutions. What really stands out however, is our company culture which is built on transparency, teamwork, and continuous learning. It’s a place where every role matters, challenges are tackled with honesty, and successes are shared. I take great pride in being part of our team that values collaboration, support and growth, as this in turn, creates meaningful results and a positive impact both internally and externally for our clients.
Ashmita Shrestha
Data and Insights Analyst, Business Support
With over 7 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, combined with the skills gained through a Master’s degree in Information Technology -Data Analytics, I strongly resonate with My Local Foodie’s passion for empowering hospitality businesses. As a former Food and Beverage Manager, I understand firsthand the challenges of running a business cost-effectively amidst rising market costs. I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and hands-on industry insight to support smarter procurement, streamlined processes, and enhanced customer experiences through data-driven insights. I’m proud to be part of a team that shares a deep passion for food and is committed to helping businesses thrive by leveraging technology to improve operations, elevate experiences, and deliver cost-effective solutions.
