Managing Director
Conrad started TONIC in 2016 with the aim to disrupt the recruitment market in hospitality and catering by providing a uniquely quality-driven and bespoke service.
Conrad Brunton founded Tonic Talent, a leading hospitality recruitment agency with a strong reputation among clients and candidates. Driven by a passion for the industry, Conrad combines his extensive hospitality experience with entrepreneurial insight to foster meaningful change in the sector.
Conrad’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At just 11 years old, he started a car-washing business with friends. By 14, he was working as a pot washer in his local pub, progressing through the kitchen, restaurant, and bar. While still in education, he worked at prestigious venues, including Simpson’s (1* Michelin) and Bank (2 Rosettes), gaining first-hand experience in top-tier hospitality.
He went on to earn a first-class BA (Hons) in Hospitality and Food Management from Birmingham College of Food, completing his industry year training as a chef in a 1 Rosette kitchen and undertaking work experience at the 3* Michelin Fat Duck, then ranked the No.1 restaurant in the world.
After university, Conrad joined the Mitchells & Butlers graduate programme, quickly rising to Deputy GM, where his process improvements were adopted group-wide. He was later headhunted as General Manager of Après Bar Broadway Plaza, overseeing its pre-opening and operations.
In 2008, Conrad founded The Great British Eatery in Birmingham, which was named England’s No.1 fish and chip shop in 2010 – the top accolade in the industry at the time. From there, he transitioned into hospitality recruitment and, after three successful years, launched Tonic Talent in the heart of Birmingham.
Beyond recruitment, Conrad is a recognised industry leader and changemaker. He founded Midlands Hospitality Network (originally CHEF) to help hospitality professionals connect, collaborate, and drive the industry forward. The network has grown into a vital platform for thought leadership and community building, recently chosen as the launchpad for Birmingham City Council’s “Birmingham Food Revolution.”
He is a committed advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He supported Be Inclusive Hospitality’s Birmingham launch and later invited founder Lorraine Copes to deliver a keynote at MHN. Conrad was also a judge for the Otolo OPRA Awards, which recognise excellence in hospitality.
His charitable work includes co-creating “Dine and Donate” with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, raising vital funds for the organisation. He completed a personal challenge of walking 100km in a single day in support of the cause. Alongside his team, he regularly supports SIFA Fireside, including preparing and serving a meal for Christmas. As regional lead for the Walk for Wellbeing initiative, Conrad fundraises for Hospitality Action to help those facing challenges across the industry.
During the pandemic, Conrad collaborated with Switch Hospitality to launch “Back to…,” a free campaign that spotlighted independent hospitality venues in Birmingham and helped drive footfall at a time when support was most needed.
He is a respected voice within hospitality, having joined the Breaking Bread and Ceres Podcasts to discuss key sector issues. He also gave a talk on employability to students at University College Birmingham, with his fee donated to Hospitality Action. His influence led to an invitation to discuss Birmingham’s food system directly with Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Dr Justin Varney, showcasing his role in shaping local food policy.
Through all his ventures, Conrad remains steadfast in his mission to improve the hospitality industry for everyone working there. His values-led leadership, charitable commitment, and industry expertise make him one of the region’s most impactful hospitality professionals.