Exit Ready: How to Sell Your Hospitality Business for Maximum Value. With Vince Konig and Jodie Castle

In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Vince Konig

 and Jodie Castle from Link Business Brokers to unpack the realities of selling a hospitality business. From legal pitfalls to boosting your business’s value, they share candid insights, real-life stories, and a step-by-step approach to becoming exit ready. Listeners will learn why selling a business is not just about finding a buyer, but about preparation, timing, and strategy — often months or years in advance. Whether you’re a first-time café owner or a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get top dollar when you decide to sell.

Key Topics & Themes

• What “exit ready” really means in the hospitality industry
• Common blind spots that reduce business value
• Legal, financial, and operational must-haves before selling
• The power of documented systems and processes
• Creative deal structures beyond a simple sale
• How emotions can derail negotiations — and how to manage them
• Current trends in café and restaurant valuations
• Why proactive planning beats reactive selling every time

About the Guests

Vince Konig – Co-director at Link Business Brokers Brisbane, specialising in hospitality sales with firsthand experience as a bar and restaurant owner. Jodie Castle– Business broker at Link with over 20 years in food service, manufacturing, and events. Passionate about empowering clients with the right strategy and preparation to achieve successful exits.

Key Takeaways

• Start early – The best time to prepare for a sale is well before you want to sell
• Get your legals right – Secure a strong lease, register your IP, and choose the right business structure
• Know your numbers – Accurate financials are non-negotiable
• Systemise – A business that runs without you is worth more
• Be open to creative deals – Earnouts and vendor finance can unlock higher valuations
• Compliance counts – Contracts, insurance, and staff superannuation must be in order
• Proactivity wins – Engage a broker before you think you’re ready

Links & Resources

• Link Business Brokers – www.linkbusiness.com.au
• Link Business Brokers LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/link-business-brokers-au/
• Coffee Commune – www.coffeecommune.com.au

Time-Stamped Highlights

• 00:00 – Introduction to Bean There, Done That and the Coffee Commune
• 00:36 – Meet Vince & Jodie from Link Business Brokers
• 02:10 – Why being “exit ready” starts from day one
• 04:48 – Legal must-haves: leases, licensing, and business structures
• 07:40 – Financial readiness: why up-to-date and accurate numbers matter
• 09:10 – How early appraisals can boost your sale price
• 12:50 – Blind spots: over-reliance on the owner & missing systems
• 14:40 – Key levers to maximise your business valuation
• 16:30 – Deal structures: earnouts, vendor finance, and partnerships
• 19:20 – The importance of staff contracts and compliance
• 22:12 – Managing the emotions of selling and buying
• 28:40 – Current café market trends and profitability realities
• 36:00 – Vince & Jodie’s top advice for business owners considering a sale
• 38:30 – Closing thoughts: activity in the market & why now is a good time to prepare

Produced by The Podcast Boss #HospitalityBusiness #CoffeeIndustry #BusinessBroker #CafeOwner #ExitReady #SmallBusinessSale #Hospita