Todd Biggs’ Journey in Hospitality Success: From Fast Food to Fine Coffee

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 and enthusiasm in business. Tune in to discover the secrets behind his success and his latest venture aimed at supporting hospitality entrepreneurs.

Key Topics and Themes:

• Todd's hospitality beginnings, starting at McDonald's and progressing through luxury hotels.
• Challenges and strategies in buying and managing three cafes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The importance of leadership, consistency, and strategic planning in growing a business.
• Todd’s new platform, Knowa, designed to support café and hospitality owners with business solutions.

About Our Guest:

Todd Biggs is a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience across various segments of the industry, including fast food giants like McDonald's and luxury hotel brands such as Ritz Carlton. Todd is the owner of L’Espresso cafes, operating within Myer department stores in Queensland. His strategic acumen has enabled him to scale his business successfully despite industry challenges. Todd is also the founder of Knowa, a platform dedicated to supporting hospitality entrepreneurs in managing and growing their businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Training: The value of Todd's early management experiences at McDonald's and how it prepared him for high-stakes roles later in life.
• Consistency is Key: Todd emphasises the importance of maintaining consistency in customer service and product quality, especially in challenging times.
• Strategic Growth: Todd’s advice on scaling businesses effectively, such as the benefits of using technology for remote management and the importance of timing in business expansion.
• Passion for Hospitality: Despite the difficulties in the industry, Todd remains optimistic, advocating for a hands-on and data-driven approach to success.

Links and Resources:

• Knowa
• Todd’s Instagram
• Todd’s LinkedIn
• The Coffee Commune

Time-Stamped Key Points:

• 00:00: Introduction by Phillip Di Bella, overview of the episode focus.
• 01:15: Todd’s extensive background and early beginnings in hospitality.
• 02:52: Insights from Todd’s time at McDonald's and the critical training programs that shaped his leadership style.
• 06:15: Todd’s experience working in luxury hotels, including the Ritz Carlton and the Carlisle.
• 07:00: Decision to purchase three cafes simultaneously during the pandemic and the challenges faced.
• 10:15: Discussion on the importance of energy and enthusiasm in leading a successful team.
• 11:45: How Todd grew the L’Espresso business by 33% despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 13:00: Introduction to L’Espresso: operations within Myer department stores and the unique business model.
• 18:30: Todd’s take on the future of hospitality and the critical role of consistency, planning, and technology.
• 20:00: How Todd uses customer data to optimise menu offerings and anticipate trends.
• 24:58: Introduction to Knowa, Todd’s new project aimed at helping hospitality business owners with key resources.
• 27:00: Final thoughts on the importance of persistence and hands-on manageme