Episode 71: Chloe Combi Talks Gen Z Trends on The Ceres Podcast

Imagine a world where young people shun pubs, rethink their careers, and demand workplaces that genuinely reflect their values. That’s the reality Chloe Combi, author of Generation Z: Their Voices, Their Lives, brings to life in Episode 71 of The Ceres Podcast, hosted by Stelios Theocharous. If you’re in the hospitality business—whether you run a bustling restaurant, a cosy pub, or a boutique hotel—this episode is a wake-up call you can’t afford to miss. It’s not just a chat about “kids these days”; it’s a masterclass in understanding the generation reshaping your workforce and customer base.

Stelios and Chloe kick things off with a candid reflection on the pandemic’s upheaval, setting the stage for a broader discussion about change—something hospitality folks know all too well. Chloe’s take is refreshing: she sees chaos as a lens through which she can rethink what matters, from leadership to community. For an industry battered by lockdowns and shifting tastes, her perspective feels both timely and actionable.

The real meat of the episode comes when Chloe unpacks her extensive research on Generation Z—those aged 12 to 24 who are stepping into your kitchens, bars, and dining rooms. She drops a bombshell that should make every hospitality manager sit up: over a third of 18- to 24-year-olds are teetotal, and many don’t see pubs as their social hub. “It’s not just a decline,” she says, “it’s almost a decimation of drinking with young people.” For an industry built on pints and late nights, that’s a seismic shift. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Chloe argues it’s a chance to pivot, to rethink what draws this crowd in.

What’s fascinating is how she ties this to hospitality’s DNA. Stelios points out that your first job as a teenager was likely waiting tables or flipping burgers—a rite of passage for generations. Yet Chloe reveals how Gen Z approaches this differently. They’re not just after pocket money; they want meaning, flexibility, and a workplace that mirrors their values. Her insight from interviewing 4,000 Gen Zers over three years shines through when she says, “They’re behaving in very counterintuitive ways to what the industry expects.” Think less boozy nights out, more diverse food tastes, and a shaky economic footing that’s forcing businesses to adapt fast.

One standout moment is their chat about marketing—or the lack of it. Chloe doesn’t mince words: “The marketing in the hospitality industry is all wrong.” She argues it’s still sold as a stopgap gig, not a career with clout. Compare that to Europe or the U.S., where top-tier schools like Cornell offer hospitality degrees, and you see the gap. Stelios chimes in with a gem from a past guest: “The British like to be served, not to serve.” It’s a cultural snag that’s left the industry scrambling to attract young talent, especially post-Brexit when European staff aren’t as easy to come by.

The episode isn’t just about problems—it’s packed with solutions. Chloe’s call for merit-based pay over age brackets is a game-changer. “If you’re an amazing worker, your pay should reflect that,” she insists, recounting a CEO who bonuses pregnant staff to keep them coming back. Imagine applying that logic to your team—rewarding hustle over tenure could flip retention rates overnight. Stelios ties it back to the floor: “Forget about age. Do they perform just as well as the tier above?”

Then there’s the mental health angle—a hot topic in hospitality. Chloe suggests flipping the script from the Gordon Ramsay shout-fests of yesteryear to a vibe where “we have a laugh together, and if you have mental health issues, you’ll be supported.” It’s a pitch that could lure Gen Z into your doors, both as staff and guests. She nails it with, “That would work far better than any other message.”

What makes this episode sing is the chemistry between Stelios and Chloe. He’s the curious everyman, tossing out real-world hospitality woes, while she’s the sharp-eyed researcher with data and stories to back it up. When Stelios admits he devoured half her book in a hospital waiting room, you feel his genuine intrigue—and it’s contagious. “Every parent should read this,” he says, and you can bet every employer should, too.

Episode 71 of The Ceres Podcast for hospitality businesses is more than a listen—it’s a roadmap. It’s about understanding the kids pouring your coffee, the trends emptying your bar stools, and the leadership tweaks that could turn it all around. So grab your headphones, tune in, and subscribe. Stelios and his guests, like Chloe, are dishing out the kind of insights that could keep your doors open and your team thriving. Don’t sleep on this one—your next big idea might be waiting.