Advice from the best in the business, at your fingertips.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a few years, you can always learn a thing or two from those who have come before you. Founding your own business is a huge undertaking and it can be difficult to know when to stay true to your brand, make a tough call or try something different.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with the business solution specialists at Square to get tips and tricks from longstanding legends of Australia’s hospo scene.
From a checklist for starting a small business to advice for building a loyal customer base and common pitfalls to avoid, we’ve got your back as you pave your way to establishing and growing your own business.
Find out how Square can kickstart your business at squareup.com.
We Asked the Experts
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BarSmiley Brewing Co
9 Southeast Boulevard, Pakenham
Local flavours and makers take centre stage at this family owned and operated Pakenham brewery.
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RestaurantUna Una
712 Station Street, Box Hill
The two-in-one offering of this Box Hill bistro means you can grab a specialty whipped coffee by day, or tuck into roast duck and martinis at night.
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CafeBakemono Bakers
273 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
The signature baked goods, including almond and yuzu croissants, blueberry danishes, and honey, sesame and sea salt scrolls, keep customers coming back time and time again.
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RestaurantBaker Bleu - South Yarra
183 Domain Road, South Yarra
Expect the full range of breads, pastries, pizzas, sandwiches, Market Lane coffee and, exclusively at South Yarra, even soft serve.
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NewsMeet In Service: the Free Masterclass Platform Offering Advice From the Best in the Hospitality Industry
In Service gleans real-world insights from Australia's best venue owners.
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RestaurantRe'em Yarra Valley at Helen & Joey Estate
12-14 Spring Lane, Gruyere
Refined and reimagined dishes include duck croquettes with Peking sauce and steamed buns with whipped pork fat and chilli.
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News"Pivot with Purpose": Japanese Cafe Kahii on the Importance of Staying Flexible in Hospitality
We asked Kahii's director, Matthew Wong, the pros and cons of flexibility in hospitality.
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RestaurantReed House
130 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Reed House is found in a historic bluestone building, serving British classics with a contemporary twist.
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RestaurantManze
5 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Manzé brings Mauritian flavours and cooking techniques to North Melbourne.
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RestaurantAmatrice Rooftop Restaurant
16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
Zip away to Italy in the back streets of Cremorne, with aperitivo sips and specialty pasta 10 stories above the ground.
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CafeBrunetti Classico Boutique Coburg
107 Newlands Road, Coburg North
Drop by Brunetti Classico's Coburg concept store for cake consultations and takeaway bites.
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BarCode Black Coffee Flinders Lane
189 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Code Black's Morning Bar is home to a stacked lineup of coffee-infused cocktails — both boozy and non-alcoholic.
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CafeMork Chocolate Looking Glass
13 Centre Place, Melbourne
The site is showcasing the team's unconventional chocolate bars, elaborate drinking chocolates that never made it onto the menu, chocolate cocktail pairings and creative desserts.
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CafeThird Wheel Highett
493 Highett Road, Highett
Quality cups of joe and a seriously high-end menu make this Highett gem shine.
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CafeThat's Amore Cheese
66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown
This deli and producer in Melbourne's north has an enviable fromage cabinet, house-made gelato and a cheese-laden brunch menu.
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CafePatricia Coffee Brewers
Corner Lt Bourke And Lt William Streets, Melbourne
A standing room-only coffee bar that's basically Melbourne cafe perfection.
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BarMörk Chocolate QVM
Shop 51-54 Dairy Produce Hall, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Mörk has landed in Queen Victoria Market with homemade cinnamon scrolls, made-to-order s'mores and hot chocolates by the gallon.
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RestaurantSoi 38
38 Mcilwraith Place, Melbourne
With an atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the vibrant hustle and bustle of a Bangkok market.
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BarBar Margaux
111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
A CBD basement bar serving up French bistro food and cocktails until 5am.
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CafeFalco Bakery
288 Smith Street, Collingwood
You'll find sourdough baguettes, chocolate-halva brownies and egg and cheese muffins at the Bar Liberty Team's Collingwood bakery.
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CafeSaint Dreux
08/260 Collins Street, Melbourne
A futuristic katsu sando and Japanese coffee bar in the CBD.
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BarThe Albion
172 York Street, South Melbourne
The historic pub is back with a new rooftop bar and a 5am weekend licence.
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ShopSouth Melbourne Market
Coventry Street, South Melbourne
A 150-year-old market with some of Melbourne's best coffee, seafood and fresh produce.
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