Chef Smokey, founder of Homies on Donkeys, joins Shawn Walchef and Scot Turner of Auden Hospitality from the restaurant’s East London location to share how a passion for authentic Mexican food grew from a six-seat market stall into one of London’s most talked-about restaurants. Smokey explains why staying true to the brand’s identity mattered more than following industry trends, while Turner shares how authenticity and heart became the foundation for building the business. Together, they discuss the resilience required to survive hospitality, the role personal branding plays in creating memorable guest experiences, and how the right technology helps restaurants strengthen customer relationships without losing the human connection that made them successful in the first place.
