Dave Nelson

Fine Food Entrepreneur, Hospitality Expert & Pandemic Pivot Specialist

Introduction:

Dave Nelson transforms culinary experiences through his unwavering passion for exceptional food and service. As the founder of Truffle & Thyme, he navigated the challenging pandemic landscape to build a thriving business that celebrates artisan produce and authentic hospitality. His journey from traditional hospitality roles to launching an innovative food concept during a global crisis embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. With a philosophy centred on great food, great gifts, and great service, he helps organisations understand how authentic passion can create memorable experiences and build loyal customer relationships.

Expertise & Impact:

Known for his ability to identify emerging culinary trends and adapt to changing market conditions, Dave combines his extensive hospitality background with entrepreneurial insight. His success in launching Truffle & Thyme during the pandemic demonstrates his skill in recognising opportunities within challenges and creating innovative business models that resonate with consumers. His approach to fine food and service excellence provides valuable lessons for organisations seeking to enhance customer experience and build brand loyalty.

Speaking Style:

Dave delivers engaging presentations that blend culinary storytelling with practical business insights. His approach combines authentic anecdotes from his journey with actionable strategies, making complex hospitality and entrepreneurship concepts accessible and memorable. Each keynote is tailored to address specific industry challenges and opportunities, ensuring maximum relevance and impact for your organisation.

Signature Style:

  • Pandemic Pivot – From Hospitality Crisis to Entrepreneurial Opportunity
  • Fine Food Revolution – The Rise of Artisan Producers in Modern Cuisine
  • Building Local Networks – Creating Sustainable Food Communities
  • From Field to Fork – The Journey of Authentic Food Experiences
  • The Art of Grazing – How New Concepts Transform Traditional Catering
  • Customer Experience – Delivering Memorable Moments Through Food

Additional Expertise:

  • Artisan Food Sourcing
  • Event Management
  • Corporate Hospitality
  • Wedding & Special Event Catering
  • Food Gifting Strategies
  • Sustainable Food Practices
  • English Artisan Cheese
  • The Slow Food Movement

Perfect For:

  • Food & Beverage Industry Events
  • Entrepreneurship Conferences
  • Hospitality & Tourism Summits
  • Small Business Development Forums
  • Corporate Innovation Workshops
  • Customer Experience Seminars

Career Highlights:

  • Successfully launched Truffle & Thyme during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Transformed an emerging ‘grazing’ concept into a thriving business model
  • Developed a loyal corporate and private client base through exceptional service
  • Created a nationwide shipping infrastructure for artisan food hampers
  • Built strong relationships with local food producers and artisans
  • Expanded from direct-to-consumer gifts to comprehensive event catering services

Key Message:

“True success in food and hospitality comes not just from what you serve, but how you make people feel about the entire experience.”

Impact Story:

“Truffle & Thyme provided corporate catering at Badminton Horse Trials for the week-long event on behalf of two different companies. Breakfast; lunch; afternoon tea and canapés were supplied during the week-long event, with over 600 covers catered for during the period. Dave, thank you for your help at Badminton Horse Trials again this year. Both the quality and the presentation of the food was outstanding – a perfect fit for us and our clients.”
– Matt Powell, Small World Group; liaison to Stonewood Builders and McKenzie & Co Financial Consultants