Real Experience for Real Results
Hello! I’m Heidi Murphy
I build businesses that work. I’m a chef, restaurateur, and consultant known for creating, scaling, and fixing hospitality concepts in the real world, not on paper.
As the co-founder of Tribe Called Zest Hospitality, I’ve helped build and operate multiple successful restaurants, including concepts recognized for standout guest experiences and strong community impact. My work spans everything from high-volume operations to refined dining, always grounded in systems that actually hold up under pressure.
With Firestarter Consulting, I partner with founders, operators, organizations, and communities to turn ideas into clear, profitable, and fully executable businesses. I don’t advise from the outside. I step in and build from within.
Proven Work
Founder & Operator, Tribe Called Zest Hospitality
Built and scaled multiple restaurant concepts across British Columbia
Founder & Executive Chef, Osprey Coastal Fine Dining
Created and led a highly acclaimed seasonal dining experience rooted in hyper-local ingredients and storytelling
Founder & Principle Consultant, Coastal Chef Collective
Advised on concept development, operations, and growth strategy for independent businesses and community-driven projects
Williams Lake First Nation
Led operational audits, menu development, and financial literacy training for The Osprey Nest, supporting a community-driven, culturally grounded hospitality initiative
Indigenous Tourism & Community Partnerships
Worked alongside Indigenous communities and organizations to build sustainable, culturally aligned food and tourism experiences with service excellence
Les Dames d’Escoffier Member & Fundraising Contributor
Led and participated in major fundraising initiatives supporting women in hospitality
Speaker & Industry Contributor
Keynote speaker at Celebrating Women in Business and panelist for WORTH Association, focused on leadership, storytelling, and building resilient businesses
How I Work
I bring a rare combination of culinary creativity, operational discipline, financial clarity, and real-world leadership. With that, I know how to navigate tight margins, staffing realities, complex builds, community and stakeholder relationships, and I know how to make decisions that move a business forward, quickly.
That means when you work with me, you don’t get theory, fluff, or a 60-page deck that sits on a shelf. You get clear direction, systems that work, and momentum you can feel immediately. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about ideas. It’s about building something that actually runs, and keeps running. Let’s ignite something that lasts. If you’re ready to move from thinking to doing, this is where it starts.