Countertalk WhatsApp Communties Bringing the industry together
Two spaces, one community
A dedicated, verified space for people working in and around hospitality. Your space to connect, share knowledge, and support one another. Our communities are closed and moderated so the conversation stays focused and genuinely useful.
Hospitality is one of the most people-led industries there is, yet it can also feel surprisingly isolating. The Countertalk community exists to change that.
Why are the groups application-only? We started with open WhatsApp groups and, as the community grew (which we love), we had to evolve. As our original groups hit capacity, engaged people couldn't get in. So we rebuilt into two closed, verified spaces which work better for everyone inside them.
Countertalk is at its best when everyone in the room is both giving and getting real value. These spaces are designed to make that happen.
Whether you're navigating a tricky HR situation, looking for a supplier recommendation, get or give technique pointers or just want to talk to people who genuinely get it, this is the place. Closed to keep it focused. Verified to keep it relevant. Free, because true community shouldn't cost anything.
Leaders
For managers, owners, and operators. A private space to discuss the strategy, culture, and operations behind the scenes.
- Business owners
- HR
- Operations
- Women in management
Hub
For everyone working in hospitality. A broad space to connect, ask questions, and keep a finger on the pulse of the industry.
- Chefs & pastry chefs
- Barista & coffee
- FOH & wines
- Pop-ups & events
- Marketing
- ... and more
How to join
1. Fill in the application form
Tell us a little about yourself and your role. This takes a couple of minutes and helps us place you in the right space/s.
2. We review your application
Our team checks every application to verify your role. Access is not automatic — this keeps the community relevant and high quality.
3. Receive your personal invite link
Within two working days, you'll get a unique invite link by email. Check your spam folder if it hasn't arrived.
Ready to join? Applications are open to anyone working directly within the hospitality sector. Suppliers, sales reps, and external service providers are not eligible.
FAQs
These are our dedicated interactive spaces for the hospitality sector. They are designed to foster relationships and facilitate discussions, allowing members to share resources, ask questions and support one another. To ensure the conversations remain relevant to your specific needs, we have split the community into two distinct streams. Members can be in both communities, if their needs and roles are relevant.
Countertalk Leaders: For managers and owners
Countertalk Hub: For everyone
ViewThese communities are strictly for those working directly within the hospitality sector. Whether you are a founder or a head chef, FOH or marketing, veteran or newbie, you are welcome. Please note that, to keep the space focused on peer-to-peer support, we do not accept applications from suppliers, sales representatives or external service providers. Access is not automatic; you must apply via our sign-up form so we can verify your role before adding you to the group.
ViewTo keep our communities safe and relevant, we ask everyone to apply via our sign-up form first. This helps us ensure you are placed in the right group for your role. Once our team reviews and approves your application, you will be sent a unique invite link.
ViewWe currently run two distinct communities to ensure conversations remain relevant to you:
Countertalk Leaders: For business owners and operators.
Countertalk Hub: For everyone
ViewWe encourage sharing resources, giving and asking for advice, and discussing industry news. Please keep it respectful and relevant. We want this to be a supportive space for everyone.
ViewWe ask that you do not post permanent job adverts in any of the chats. Paid job adverts are what allows Countertalk to keep providing those essential resources - please use our dedicated Jobs Board on the website for all recruitment, other than freelance roles. You are welcome to share a link to your Countertalk job listing if it is urgent!
ViewYes. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or spam. We want to foster an inclusive and positive environment. Any members violating these rules will be removed by the moderators.
Here is our full WhatsApp code of conduct.
ViewPlease email us or message the admins privately and we’ll handle it discreetly.
ViewIf the notifications are too much, we recommend ‘muting’ the group in your WhatsApp settings so you can check it at your own pace. If you wish to leave permanently, you can do so via the group info page on your phone.
ViewIt is only visible to the people within the specialist group of which you are a member.
ViewThe groups are primarily for individuals working in hospitality. We do not tolerate using these groups for direct outreach or advertising purposes (see our code of conduct here). Recruiters or brands can get in touch with us directly here (insert link to contact page) for collaboration or advertising options.
ViewCountertalk admins manage the Community to make sure it’s a safe, organised and value-filled space for everyone.
ViewWe review each application manually to ensure the quality of the community. Please bear with us - we usually process new additions weekly. If it has been longer than that, drop us an email to check on your status.
View