Top Restaurateur Reveals the Secret Sauce Behind Destination Dining

Dining precincts are no longer just places to eat they’re shaping how cities come alive after hours, attracting talent, investment and culture into urban centres.

In this episode of The Connector, Harper B Founder Belinda Coates sits down with leading restaurateur Chris Lucas, founder of Lucas Collective, to unpack how hospitality is redefining the future of our cities.

From transforming pockets of Melbourne into sought-after dining destinations to translating global influences into distinctly local experiences, Chris shares how world-class venues are createdand why they matter far beyond the plate.

The conversation explores the rise of dining-led precincts, the shift of premium hospitality into mixed-use developments, and how cities compete for global talent through culture and experience. It also dives into the realities of running hospitality businesses today, from rising costs to evolving customer expectations.