In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Barry Wilkinson of SW Brokerage for an eye-opening discussion about finance, business strategy, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. Together, they dig into the current financial climate, the practicalities of buying and selling hospitality businesses, and the real challenges faced by café owners today. Barry shares war stories from decades in the industry, demystifies common misconceptions, and gives actionable adv...
Aug 17, 2025•40 min•Ep. 36
In this essential episode of Bean There, Done That , host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Karla Vosloo, Account Manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers, to demystify the world of insurance for small business owners—especially those in hospitality. Karla shares invaluable insights on how insurance has changed since COVID, the hidden pitfalls of underinsurance, and why every café or restaurant owner needs to rethink their risk exposure in a world of rising premiums and unpredictable weather events. I...
Jul 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 35
In this thought-provoking discussion, hospitality veterans Phil Di Bella and Raihaan Esat dive deep into the evolution—and possible extinction—of the traditional café. They trace the journey from café culture’s golden age to today’s high-cost, low-margin reality, uncovering the harsh truths behind shrinking profits, rising expectations, and the impact of automation. This is a must-listen for café owners, coffee lovers, and anyone invested in the future of hospitality. Key Topics & Themes: Th...
Jun 22, 2025•39 min•Ep. 34
In this timely episode of Bean There, Done That , host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Tim Dive, founder of the HR Cartel and host of the HR Cartel Podcast , to unpack the complex and fast-changing world of industrial relations (IR) and human resources (HR) in Australia. With wage theft now a criminal offence and IR reforms disproportionately impacting small and micro businesses, this no-fluff conversation is a must-listen for hospitality owners and operators. From contract must-haves and perfor...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of Bean There, Done That , guest host Shari Wilding sits down with Raihaan Esat, coffee trader at International Coffee Traders (ICT), to explore the current state of the global coffee market. They discuss the rising cost of green beans, the impact of climate change and logistics disruptions, and the emerging coffee markets that could shape the future of the industry. Raihaan shares insights on how roasters can navigate supply chain challenges, secure long-term partnerships with f...
Apr 27, 2025•38 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of Bean There, Done That , host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Justin Swayn, founder of Brew Box Collective, an award-winning café in Baringa, Sunshine Coast. Justin shares his deeply personal journey—from overcoming life’s toughest challenges to building a café that’s more than just a place to grab a coffee. His story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and purpose-driven business. From a past filled with hardship to finding his passion for hospitality, Justin...
Mar 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phil DiBella sits down with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini, the ambitious young duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. They share their journey from different professional backgrounds—Mikella with her creative and entrepreneurial roots, and Laurence with a law degree—to becoming passionate restaurateurs. They discuss the highs and lows of running a restaurant, including making tough business decisions, learning from failure, adapting to cust...
Mar 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phil Di Bella chats with Matt Jefferis, co-owner of Savour Café and Franc in Brisbane, to explore his extensive journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher alongside his twin brother, Dan, Matt shares the evolution of their careers, the key lessons they've learned, and how they built successful businesses by implementing strategic systems and staying focused on customer experience. Key topics include the importance of understanding...
Nov 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phil Di Bella sits down with Simon Gloftis, a leading figure in Australia's hospitality industry. Simon shares his remarkable journey, from his early days in flea markets to creating iconic dining destinations like Hellenika, SK Steak and Oyster, Sushi Room, and Sunshine. They delve into the intricacies of restaurant management, the significance of staying true to one's vision, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. Simon also opens up about the...
Nov 10, 2024•38 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Todd Biggs, owner of L’Espresso cafes, to discuss his remarkable journey in the hospitality industry. Todd, with over 20 years of experience, has managed to grow his business by 33% during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From his early days at McDonald's to roles in luxury hotels and now managing multiple café locations, Todd shares valuable insights on leadership, strategic planning, and the importance of energy...
Nov 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Nicholas Mitrossilis, the founder and managing director of The Yiros Shop , a beloved fast-food chain in Brisbane. Nick shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days growing up in a family-owned fish and chip shop to building a thriving business with over 16 stores. They discuss the lessons learned from working in hospitality and construction, the challenges of rapid expansion, and the importance of knowing ...
Oct 27, 2024•33 min•Ep. 26
In this inspiring episode of Bean There Done That, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Giorgina Venzin, a dynamic hospitality entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from washing dishes at age 13 to owning multiple successful cafes by her early 30s. Giorgina shares valuable insights into the hard work, sacrifices, and creative vision that fuel her success. From her first venture, Pawpaw Café, to her innovative approach of flipping cafes like houses, Giorgina’s story reveals how passion, family support,...
Oct 20, 2024•34 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Matthew Rollo, the founder of Hashtag Burgers and Waffles, to explore his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher at 14, Matthew’s career grew from washing dishes to managing his own multi-location burger business. The conversation covers the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, his strategic approach to growing the business, and his insights on leadership, work ethic, and creating a customer-driven brand. Key Topics...
Oct 13, 2024•35 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Bean There Done That , host Phil Di Bella is joined by Michael McFarlane, Head of Sales and Marketing at Huskee, to discuss sustainability in the cafe industry. They explore the role of reusable cups, misconceptions about sustainability, and how cafes can implement environmentally friendly practices. Michael shares insights from his 14 years in hospitality, offering practical tips on everything from menu creation to waste reduction and the importance of choosing sustainable su...
Sep 30, 2024•23 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Bean There, Done That! , host Phil Di Bella welcomes Marija Hall, Director of Momentous Australia, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership. Marija shares her passion for developing great leaders and helping teams thrive in the digital age. The conversation covers the shift from traditional leadership styles to more inclusive, coaching-focused approaches, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in today's rapidly changing environment. Marija offers practical t...
Sep 01, 2024•43 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella dives deep into the crucial topic of retaining top talent with special guest Lauren Karan. Lauren, an expert in recruitment and organisational coaching, shares her extensive knowledge on creating effective hiring strategies and fostering a culture of retention. They explore the importance of understanding your business's pain points, aligning hiring strategies with growth goals, and continuously building a pipeline of potential hires....
Aug 25, 2024•40 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Bean There, Done That , host Phil Di Bella is joined by Nathan Forward, a Human Resources Business Partner at People Squared. With over 15 years of experience in HR and IR compliance, Nathan shares his expertise on navigating industrial relations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The discussion covers key legislative changes, the importance of proactive HR management, and practical tips for creating a thriving business environment. Key Topics an...
Aug 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Bean There Done That, Phil Di Bella dives into the intricate world of workplace psychology with expert Kelly Maniatis. Discover how effective leadership can transform your business and unlock your team's potential. Key Topics and Themes: Importance of workplace psychology Strategies for leading people, not managing tasks Common leadership pitfalls and how to avoid them Effective communication and engagement with employees Handling transient workforce in hospitality Generationa...
Jul 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of Bean There Done That! , host Phil Di Bella is joined by Peter Biazos, the founding director of B&T Advisory. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the Small Business Restructure regime introduced by the Liberal government in 2021. This initiative is designed to help businesses manage ATO debt effectively and avoid liquidation. Peter shares his extensive experience in solvency accountancy and provides practical advice on how small businesses can navigate financial di...
Jun 30, 2024•25 min•Ep. 18
On this episode of "Bean There Done That," industry expert Rhian Shellshear from Italian Gelato Concepts shares his extensive knowledge on business performance and cost optimisation. With over 22 years in the coffee and hospitality sector, Rhian offers practical advice on equipment selection, financial management, and the benefits of comprehensive consultancy services. We explore shared and dark kitchens as innovative solutions for testing business concepts with minimal risk. Learn how collabora...
Jun 02, 2024•31 min•Ep. 17
