Bean There, Done That!

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...

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-lis...

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 roast...

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 fil...

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...

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 custome...

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 ...

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...

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, th...

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 l...

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 leaders...

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 ...

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...

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 growt...

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 ...

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...

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 pr...

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...

Could your cafe's profitability be just a tech upgrade away? Join me, Phil DiBella, alongside Jacob Kelly, General Manager at Innovators Direct, as we serve up a brew of knowledge on advancing your cafe's operations through technology. This episode steeps with insights into how bespoke POS systems can be the secret ingredient to enhancing your menu, team performance, and overall business efficiency. We're not just talking about the...