Matt Jefferis on Systems, Success, and Savoury Insights: Creating a Café Legacy

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 business financials, embracing technology to enhance efficiency, and the significance of planning for the future. The episode also highlights the evolution of the café scene in Brisbane and how Matt and his brother have adapted to changes in the industry, including navigating challenges like COVID-19.

About Our Guest Matt Jefferis is a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience in the café industry. Along with his twin brother, Dan, Matt co-owns Savour Café and Franc in Brisbane. His expertise spans across all levels of café management, from dishwashing to owning multiple businesses. Matt and Dan are known for their customer-centric approach, strategic use of technology, and their dedication to building sustainable business models in hospitality.

Takeaways

• Foundation is Key: Matt and Dan’s early experience working in every aspect of the business—from dishwashing to management—provided a solid foundation for their success.
• Systemisation Leads to Success: Inspired by The E Myth, the brothers focused on creating systems that could be replicated and scaled.
• Adaptability: The shift during COVID-19 to a takeaway model and the use of automated technology shows the importance of adapting to changes in the market.
• Business Financials Matter: Knowing your numbers and constantly reassessing your business model can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.
• Long-Term Partnerships: Mutual benefit and clear roles were key factors in the success of Matt and Dan’s partnership with Phil Di Bella and others.

Links and Resources

• The Coffee Commune
• The E Myth by Michael Gerber (Book mentioned as influential to Matt’s business approach)
• Savour Café and Franc Café

Time-Stamped Key Points

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Bean There Done That and the show’s focus on coffee industry success stories.
• 00:01:00 - Matt Jefferis joins the conversation, reflecting on his long-standing friendship and business history with Phil Di Bella.
• 00:02:00 - Matt recounts his start in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher in 2002 with his twin brother, Dan.
• 00:03:30 - Discussing the passion for coffee and customer service that drove their careers.
• 00:06:30 - Matt talks about the foundations they set early in their careers, from learning every aspect of café operations to reading The E Myth by Michael Gerber.
• 00:08:30 - The opportunity to partner in the View Lounge café, marking their first step into ownership.
• 00:11:45 - Matt emphasises the importance of patience, leadership, and empowering staff to run the business efficiently.
• 00:17:00 - Reflecting on the evolution from partners to sole owners and the value of mutual benefit in partnerships.
• 00:21:00 - Lessons from the closure of their patisserie business, Savour Chermside, and how these lessons informed their current operations.
• 00:23:30 - Navigating the challenges of COVID-19, including the shift to takeaway and adjustments to operations.
• 00:27:00 - Implementing technology like automated coffee machines and AI apps to streamline costs and improve efficiency.
• 00:30:00 - The creation of Franc, a complementary café concept to Savour, focusing on grab-and-go offerings.
• 00:32:00 - Matt discusses the current flexibility in his work-life balance, enabling travel and personal growth.
• 00:38:00 - Key advice for young entrepreneurs: constant learning, understanding business fundamentals, and staying customer-focused.

Tune in to hear Matt’s inspiring journey in the café business and learn how foundational skills, the right partnerships, and strategic planning can lead to long-term success. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

Produced by The Podcast Boss