Just purchased a business?

Just Bought a Hospitality Business? Here's What No One Tells You...

Congratulations — you’ve taken the leap. You’ve bought a café, restaurant, or bar and stepped into the world of hospitality business ownership.

Now… your manager has just quit.
Your chef didn’t show up to work.
The numbers don’t make sense.
You’re trying to stay calm, but you're also asking: “What have I gotten myself into?”

Don’t worry. You’re not alone — and this is way more common than you think.

We’ve Been There (and We Help People in This Position All the Time)

Buying an existing hospitality venue can be exciting. But it’s often only once the previous owner is gone and the dust settles that the cracks start showing.

Here are some of the things new owners face — maybe you’re in the middle of some of them now:

• Key staff leave unexpectedly — managers, chefs, FOH, baristas

• Staff still expect full pay — even when they’ve ghosted shifts

• The "systems" turn out to be post-it notes and WhatsApp messages

• POS, rosters, suppliers… all a mess

• Numbers you were shown don’t match what’s actually happening

• You can’t tell what’s normal and what’s a red flag

• You’re working in the business so hard, you can’t step back to fix it

The truth is, hospitality businesses run on people and systems — and both can unravel quickly. When one breaks, it knocks everything else off balance.

You Don’t Have to Fix It Alone

This is where we come in.

We work with new owners all the time — from day one of handover, right through to crisis mode. We’re not consultants who throw a checklist at you and disappear. We’re hospitality people, and we roll up our sleeves.

Here’s how we can help:

• Emergency staff cover
  We’ve got a network of chefs, managers, and FOH pros who know what it’s like to step into chaos and steady the ship.

• Systems support
  We can rebuild your basic operating systems — roster templates, ordering procedures, staff handbooks — fast and in a way that works for your venue.

• Financial clarity
  If your numbers don’t line up, we’ll dig in. We’ll help you figure out what’s actually happening, where the gaps are, and what changes to make right now.

• Practical mentoring
  We’ll talk through staffing issues, supplier negotiations, whether or not to reprice your menu, and how to survive the first 90 days.

• Hands-on problem solving
  We’re not afraid of getting into the business with you — on-site if needed — to help make sense of the mess and move forward.

This Industry is Tough — But You’re Not Powerless

The honeymoon period rarely lasts long in hospitality. But the great news is, most issues can be fixed — with the right support and a clear plan.

You may need a hand putting the right team in place.
You might need help seeing through the fog of what’s urgent vs what’s important.
You might just need to hear from someone who’s done this before — and survived.

We’re here for that.

No lectures. No shame. No ego. Just someone in your corner when things go sideways.

You Bought This Business for a Reason

You saw potential. You had a dream. Maybe you wanted to build something of your own — or create a better lifestyle. That dream isn’t gone. It’s just had a rough start.

We can help you get it back on track.

One step at a time. With real support from people who’ve been there.

Hospitality business support

Hospitality Business Support — A Personal Message for Hospitality Owners

We created this platform because hospitality business owners — both new and experienced — need support now more than ever. The industry is going through a time of intense pressure. Rising costs, economic shifts, changing consumer behaviour, and workforce shortages are affecting almost every operator we speak to.

Some are trying to survive. Others are trying to get out. And many are trying to get in — but not without hesitation, doubt, and a serious look at the numbers.

Whether you're a seasoned operator looking to restructure or a first-time owner wanting to open your dream café, bar, or restaurant, one thing is true across the board: running a hospitality business can be incredibly rewarding… and incredibly isolating.

There is no single solution. Everyone's journey is different. That’s why we focus on individualised support that meets you where you are.

For Those Who Are Struggling or Looking to Exit

If you’ve been running a hospitality business for a few years (or decades), you know how fast the landscape can change. Margins have tightened. Rent has increased. Staff are harder to find — and harder to keep. You may be working longer hours, wearing more hats, and finding that passion alone isn't enough anymore.

You’re not alone. Many owners are:

• Experiencing burnout from trying to do it all

• Losing money despite high turnover

• Unsure how to exit their business without losing everything

• Avoiding compliance or tax issues out of fear or overwhelm

• Feeling emotionally stuck — knowing something has to change, but not knowing what

We understand that stepping back or letting go of a business isn’t failure — it’s a decision. And it’s one that can be made with dignity, clarity, and a plan. We can help you explore your options, prepare for sale, or even restructure your operations to get back on track.

For Those Who Want to Get In

There’s still a powerful draw to hospitality — the energy of a full dining room, the creativity of a curated menu, the dream of owning something that's truly yours. But getting into the industry now isn’t easy.

Start-up costs are high. Fit-outs are expensive. Licences and permits take time. And mistakes — even small ones — can be very costly.

We support newcomers with:

• Feasibility assessments — is your concept viable in today’s market?

• Budget planning — how much will it really cost, and where can you save?

• Lease and contract reviews

• Supplier and system setup

• Staffing plans and hiring guidance

• Permit and compliance roadmaps

It’s not about talking you into it — it’s about helping you walk into it with your eyes open and the right systems in place.

Everyone Has a Different Path — And That’s OK

What we’ve learned over 20+ years in hospitality is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Some businesses boom fast. Some take time. Some need a pivot. Others need a plan to move on.

We believe in meeting you exactly where you are — without judgement or pressure.

You might need:

• A short consultation to sense-check your next move

• Ongoing mentoring to grow your confidence as an owner

• Help resolving a staff or compliance issue

• A strategy to make your business more profitable

• A plan to step away, sell, or shut down responsibly

Whatever it is, we’re here.

The Lonely Road of Business Ownership

One of the most common things we hear from owners — especially small venue operators — is how lonely it feels at the top. You’re expected to carry everything: the staff drama, the customer feedback, the finances, the maintenance, the social media, the broken dishwasher, and your own emotions.

You can’t talk to your team about financial stress. You don’t want to burden your partner or friends. And you might feel that asking for help makes you look like you’re not coping.

But here’s the truth: asking for help is one of the smartest things you can do as a business owner.

We’ve been there. We’ve made the hard calls. We’ve learned the lessons — and now we’re here to walk with you, not talk at you.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Whether you're just starting out, trying to stay afloat, or ready to move on, we're here to make your next steps clearer, easier, and more informed.

Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s find a way forward — business owner to business owner.

Small business helpline

Small Business Helpline — Real Help When You Need It Most

Running a hospitality business is hard work — and sometimes, it can feel like you're doing it all alone. From staff issues to supplier costs, from dodgy ovens to slow weeks, the challenges are constant. And when you hit a wall, there’s not always someone you can turn to for real, hands-on help.

That’s why we created our Small Business Helpline — a support service that’s personal, practical, and built for hospitality business owners like you. No bots. No fluff. Just someone who understands your world and can help you get unstuck fast.

Supplier Support & Price Negotiation

One of the biggest ongoing challenges for small operators is keeping costs down without sacrificing quality. We can help you:

• Review your supplier agreements

• Negotiate better rates or terms

• Find alternative suppliers who offer value without compromise

• Optimise your ordering practices to reduce waste and overstocking

You don’t always need to switch suppliers — sometimes, a conversation with the right leverage can lead to a better deal. We’ve had years of experience doing this and know where there’s room to move.

Staffing Questions — Who to Hire and When

Hospitality teams are everything. But finding (and keeping) the right people is harder than ever. One common question we hear is:

“Do I hire young and inexperienced staff at lower wages, or pay more for experienced professionals?”

There’s no single answer. It depends on your model, your volume, your culture — and your capacity to train. Each option comes with pros and cons:

Inexperienced staff:

• Lower wage cost

• Moldable to your style

• But… need more training and supervision

Experienced staff:

• Faster, more efficient, less oversight

• Can lead or take on responsibility

• But… higher wages, sometimes stuck in their ways

We help you find the right mix — and just as importantly, keep that balance consistent over time. Hiring’s only part of the job. Retaining, training, and managing performance is where the real work begins.

Rent Negotiation & Landlord Conversations

Rent is one of your biggest fixed costs — and during tough periods, it can also be one of the hardest conversations to have.

Sometimes what a business needs is temporary rent relief, a restructured lease, or even just an honest conversation with your landlord to buy some breathing room. But let’s be honest — those chats can be unpleasant, intimidating, and emotionally draining.

That’s where we step in.

We can act as your bodyguard, your negotiator, your advisor — whatever role you need. We’re not afraid to have the tough conversations with agents or landlords on your behalf. And we know what landlords will (and won’t) respond to.

Sales & Profit — Finding the Right Balance

Without sales, you don’t have a business. But good sales numbers don’t always mean good profitability. We’ve seen businesses with strong revenue but low margins, high waste, or hidden costs that erode every dollar earned.

We’ll help you:

• Identify sales opportunities that match your strengths

• Optimise pricing and menu structure

• Streamline costs without cutting quality

• Focus on the numbers that matter most

Cost-cutting is not the goal. Cost-optimisation is.
You still need to deliver a great product, keep your staff happy, and provide value to customers. We’ll help you find that balance and adjust it as the market changes.

Online Presence — What Do You Really Need?

In today's market, your online presence is often your first impression. But what that needs to look like — and how much you should spend — depends on your business.

Let’s break it down:

Do you need social media?

Yes… but the right kind.
Social media can absolutely drive foot traffic, especially if you’re offering something visual or trend-friendly. But it also comes with time, strategy, and cost — whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone else.

We help you figure out:

• Which platforms suit your business (e.g. Instagram for cafés, Facebook for local restaurants, TikTok for fast casual)

• How to create simple content that works — without needing a marketing degree

• Whether it’s worth outsourcing (and how much that should really cost)

• How to track ROI — are your posts actually converting into bookings or sales?

Social media isn’t magic. It’s a tool — and we’ll help you use it with intention.

Do you need a website?

Probably, yes. Even a basic one.

If customers are Googling your venue and nothing comes up — or worse, old hours or menus from 2021 — you’re leaving money on the table. A clean, functional website adds trust, provides key info, and lets people make a decision faster.

We can help you:

• Set up a simple, affordable website

• Make sure your business details are accurate across the internet

• Review your Google Business profile — it’s free, but it needs to be done right

What about branding — logo, signage, style?

This doesn’t need to be expensive — but it does need to feel consistent. Whether it's your menu design, your social profile picture, or your front window, first impressions matter.

We can help you:

• Review your current branding with fresh eyes

• Suggest improvements that are budget-friendly but high impact

• Recommend designers or tools depending on your needs

Sometimes, a $200 sign or a repainted door does more than a $2,000 logo. We’ll help you decide what’s worth spending on — and what isn’t.

Fixing the Feel — High-Impact Improvements

You don’t need to gut your venue to give it a better vibe. Sometimes, it’s about the small things that customers notice first:

• Lighting

• Music volume

• Seating layout

• Table presentation

• Menu readability

• Entry signage or clutter

We offer hands-on help to improve your space — whether that’s suggesting layout changes, doing a visual audit, or working with your team to refresh the customer experience.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

This isn’t a call centre or a generic consultant who’s never run a venue. Our Small Business Helpline is real support — from someone who’s opened venues, hired teams, fired ovens, negotiated rent, chased invoices, and posted on socials from the stockroom.

Whatever’s stressing you — staffing, sales, suppliers, landlords, layout, branding — we’re here to help.

Sometimes you need advice. Sometimes you need backup. Sometimes you just need a win. We’re here for all of it.

Let’s get your business working better — for you.

Hospitality startup help

Starting a Hospitality Business — What I Wish I Knew Before I Opened My First Venue

Starting a hospitality business can be one of the most exciting and creative things you’ll ever do. It can also be one of the most overwhelming. I’ve opened multiple venues over the years — some from blank shells, others from partial takeovers — and the lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from a course or a textbook. They came from doing it, sometimes the hard way.

If you're thinking of opening a café, restaurant, bar, or takeaway spot, there's so much more to it than signing a lease and picking tiles. This blog is for the dreamers and the planners — those who are ready to start, but not sure where.

Here’s what you need to consider — from someone who’s done it before.

Location Is Everything — But Not Just the Suburb

Before you even start thinking about menus or fit-outs, the most important question is where.

Not just which suburb — but which street, which section, and which side of the road.

Things to ask yourself:

• Does this suburb have the type of customer you're targeting?

• Are there complementary businesses around you (e.g. gyms, offices, other food outlets)?

• Is the area still growing or already saturated?

• Will there be foot traffic at the hours you’ll trade?

• Is parking or public transport an issue?

• Is this a destination or a convenience venue?

I've seen great concepts fail simply because they were in the wrong spot — or on the wrong side of the right spot.

Choosing the Right Space — It Has to Match the Business

Next comes the space itself. You don’t just need a shop — you need the right kind of shop for what you want to run.

A few questions to consider:

• Is it the right size? Too small and you limit growth; too big and you pay rent on dead space.

• Does it already have essential infrastructure (grease trap, extraction, three-phase power)?

• Are there existing approvals or will you need a new permit or change of use?

• Is it walk-in ready or a blank shell?

The dream is often big. But your fit-out and operating plan must match your budget and your timeline. Which brings us to the next step…

Investment vs Reality — What Will It Really Cost?

Opening a venue costs more than you think — always. I’ve done venues on shoestring budgets and high-end builds, and both taught me the same truth: you have to be brutally honest about your finances.

Things to cost out early:

• Fit-out (equipment, furniture, flooring, walls, ceiling, lighting, kitchen, bathrooms)

• Council and permit fees

• Legal and lease setup

• Brand, design, marketing, signage

• Initial stock, staff, tech, uniforms, POS systems

• 3–6 months of operating capital after opening

Then compare those numbers to what you actually have — or can raise. There’s no point designing a $500K venue on a $150K budget.

And most importantly: ask does this setup give me room to grow?

The Timeline Trap — It Always Takes Longer

Everyone thinks they’ll open in three months. Few do.

Even a small venue can take 2–6 months from idea to opening — depending on the council, trades, permit approvals, and how involved you want to be. Bigger venues clearly spanning up to 12 months.

There are two main paths:

1. Hands-On Build (Time-Rich, Budget-Limited)

This is where you manage the project yourself — possibly doing a lot of the painting, sourcing, and decisions without professionals. It can be:

• Cheaper (you save on labour and consultancy fees)

• Slower (you’re relying on your time, experience, and energy)

• More flexible (you can change things as you go)

• More stressful (you carry the load alone)

I’ve done it this way. It’s rewarding but exhausting. If you’re going this route, you need grit, patience, and good spreadsheets.

2. Professional Build (Budget-Rich, Time-Poor)

This is where you engage designers, planners, architects, and project managers. It’s:

• Faster (professional teams can coordinate trades and timelines)

• More expensive (expect to pay double or triple for a polished result)

• Easier (less day-to-day involvement from you)

• More controlled (but sometimes less flexible)

Your final venue will likely look better — but your total investment will be significantly higher. This model suits people who have the capital and want to open with minimal hands-on input.

So… What Should You Do?

It depends on you.

• Are you doing this alone or with a partner?

• How much time do you have?

• How much actual money do you have?

• Are you building your dream venue, or a stepping stone?

• Can the venue you’re imagining sustain the income you need?

Everyone’s journey is different. There’s no “right way” — only the right way for you.

Need Help Planning or Starting Your Venue?

I’ve started venues with minimal cash and a paintbrush in hand. I’ve also worked with architects, council consultants, and build teams. I’ve learned when to spend, where to save, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost time and money.

If you're thinking of opening your first (or next) hospitality business, I’d love to help you:

• Assess your idea realistically

• Scope out potential locations

• Review your budget and what’s possible

• Map out a timeline and fit-out plan

• Avoid common startup traps

• Build a venue that fits your goals — not just your Instagram

Starting your own venue doesn’t have to be a lonely or confusing road. Let’s build it the smart way — together.

Business sale

Selling Your Hospitality Business — What You Need to Know (and How We Can Help)

Selling a hospitality business isn’t just a transaction — it’s an emotional and often complex process. You’ve poured time, energy, and money into your venue. Maybe you’ve built it from scratch, or maybe you’ve taken it as far as you can and it’s time for the next chapter.

Whether you’re stepping away because of burnout, lifestyle changes, or the lure of something new, we’re here to help you prepare, sell, and walk away with clarity and confidence — not chaos.

We’ve sold venues ourselves. We’ve worked with agents, lawyers, and buyers. And we’ve seen the mistakes that can cost sellers thousands (or sink a deal entirely). This guide is here to help you avoid those.

Step 1: Preparation — Make It Sellable

The better your business looks on paper and in person, the more appealing it becomes to buyers. Before you list, we help you do a full review of your venue — and identify what can be fixed, upgraded, or clarified to make it more attractive.

Here’s what we typically look at:

• Clean Financials
  Buyers want clarity. We help you tidy your books, organise your P&L, and clearly show turnover, wages, COGS, and net profit.

• Operational Systems
  A business that runs without you is more valuable. We’ll check if your systems (rostering, ordering, training, etc.) are documented and transferable.

• Visual & Physical Appeal
  We help you improve first impressions — cost-effectively. A paint refresh, signage upgrade, or decluttered layout can go a long way.

• Lease Review
  The lease is often a deal-maker or breaker. We’ll help you understand how much time is left, if a transfer is allowed, and whether there’s room for negotiation to benefit a sale.

• Staff Structure
  Is your team stable? Are roles clear? Will the business survive a handover? We’ll help you set this up so it looks low-risk to a buyer.

Step 2: Avoiding the Underwater Rocks

There are a few hidden issues that can derail a sale — even at the final stage. We call these “underwater rocks.” We help you identify and avoid them:

• Outdated or missing permits

• Disputes with landlords, suppliers, or staff

• Unregistered equipment or unapproved fit-outs

• Staffing issues that come to light during due diligence

• Poor financial transparency or “cash-only” histories

• Overpriced asking values set by emotion, not market value

We’ll guide you through a health check before you hit the market — so nothing surprises you (or the buyer) halfway through.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Agent (or Going Without One)

Do you need a broker? Not always — but in many cases, yes.

We can connect you with reliable, hospitality-focused business brokers who:

• Understand the venue market

• Know how to talk to buyers

• Won’t waste your time with dreamers

We’ll help you:

• Interview agents

• Understand what their commission and marketing costs really mean

• Prepare your info pack and handover docs

• Review your business valuation to ensure it’s realistic — not emotional

In some cases, if your business is small, niche, or already has an interested buyer, we can help you go agent-free, saving thousands and keeping more in your pocket.

Step 4: The Sale Process — What to Expect

Here’s how a standard sale process works (we’ll guide you through all of it):

1. Preparation phase – Financials, paperwork, cleanup

2. List with agent (or private sale) – Marketing, info packs, buyer screening

3. Buyer shows interest – Confidentiality agreements signed

4. Due diligence begins – Buyer reviews everything: financials, lease, operations, staff

5. Contract of sale drafted – You may need a lawyer to help here

6. Negotiations – Price, settlement terms, inclusions, etc.

7. Deposit taken – Usually 5-10%

8. Landlord approval – For lease transfer

9. Final settlement – Business is handed over

We help you manage all of this — step by step — and keep the stress levels down.

After the Sale — What Comes Next?

This is the part most people don’t plan for — what happens after the money hits your account?

Many business owners don’t realise:

• You may have outstanding liabilities (taxes, staff leave, ATO debts)

• The proceeds of the sale might be taxed more than expected

• Without planning, a big payday can turn into a big bill

We can help you structure the exit so you hold onto more of what you’ve earned.

This could include:

• Timing the sale around financial year strategies

• Using part of the sale proceeds to pay down debts smartly

• Seeking advice from a trusted accountant or tax advisor (we can connect you)

• Understanding small business capital gains tax concessions that you may be eligible for

Selling your business should bring relief — not regret. We’re here to make sure that happens.

Thinking of Selling? Don’t Wait Until You’re Burnt Out.

The best time to sell is before you’ve hit the wall.

Whether you're just starting to think about it or ready to go, a conversation now can save you months of delay — or thousands of dollars.

We’re not agents. We’re not lawyers. We’re not here to sell you anything. We’re here to:

• Help you get your business ready

• Protect you from common mistakes

• Connect you with the right professionals

• Be your sounding board when things get overwhelming

Selling your business is a big decision — but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s prepare properly and make sure you walk away with the peace (and profit) you deserve.