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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RestaurantSan Pancho
276-278 Marrickville Road, Marrickville
A Marrickville taqueria that represents Mexico instead of reinventing it.
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RestaurantKazzi Beach Greek Bondi
14-16 O'Brien Street, Bondi Beach
The third arm of this Hellenic-style eatery has set up shop on Sydney's most iconic beach.
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RestaurantSketch Manly
19 Pittwater Road, Manly
Hot curries, cold craft beers and a chai-misu, it's all part of the ethos that makes Sketch Manly a Northern Beaches institute.
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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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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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RestaurantVin-Cenzo's
174 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
This neighbourhood Italian by the Bar Copains crew transforms into a late-night supper club on weekends, staying open until 2am.
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RestaurantGina
33 Barangaroo Avenue
Take a seat in the sun-washed dining room — or on Barangaroo's largest terrace — for daily house-made pasta and breezy Italian coastal fare.
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RestaurantBessie's
111-115 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Mediterranean share plates emerge from the woodfire oven at the Bar Copains team’s warehouse diner.
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RestaurantSana Mediterranean
1 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh
One part fresh and two parts delicious, Sana brings a Mediterranean spin to the typical build-your-own bowl concept.
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RestaurantEnnui
461 Pitt Street, Haymarket
This well-hidden French wine and diner bar inspires anything but a feeling of ennui.
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RestaurantLankan Filling Station
58 Riley Street, East Sydney
This trailblazing Sri Lankan diner is entering a new era of fusion dishes and inventive flavours.
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RestaurantNeptune's Grotto
Bridge Street, Sydney
Indulge in the hand-crafted pasta dishes and a to-shelf wine list at this newly opened venue from the team behind Clam Bar.
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RestaurantFabbrica Bread Shop Coogee
214 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee
You can now enjoy this fan-favourite bread shop at its new beachside location, complete with new delights and Roman-inspired treats.
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RestaurantMadam Ji
13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Classic dishes and boundary-pushing fusions are on the menu at a restaurant inspired by the "resilience and freedom" of women in Indian culture.
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RestaurantPrefecture 48
230 Sussex Street, Sydney
This Sussex Street hospitality hub explores the culinary and cultural riches of Japan from every angle.
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BarKahii Kissaten
364 Kent Street, Sydney
Start your day with matcha and croissants and end it with wine and oysters — all at this inner-city spot.
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BarThe Old Rosebud
654 Darling Street, Rozelle
Stop in for your morning flat white or arvo takeaway wrap before a walk along the harbour.
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CafeSplash Coffee
2A Station Street, Petersham
The Soulmate team has reinvented the pool canteen with this nostalgic cafe right by Petersham Park and the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre.
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CafeGood Ways Deli Alexandria
81 Buckland Street, Alexandria
You'll find kangaroo mortadella sandwiches, Milo mocha and freshly baked loaves of bread at Good Ways Deli's Alexandria outpost.
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BarCricketers Arms Hotel
106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills
Known more intimately as the Crix, this is the kind of local that will make you want to move into the area.
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RestaurantNour
490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
The contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant has recently been hatted, and is ideal for your next meal in Surry Hills.
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BarHickson House Distilling Co.
6 Hickson Road, Dawes Point
In the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge lies Hickson House — a craft spirits distillery that offers immersive tours, tastings and private dining experiences.
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RestaurantMamak
15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket
One of the few places in Sydney where you can get exceptional Malaysian hawker food at a reasonable price.
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BarBitter Phew
137 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Craft beer bar upstairs, natural wine bar downstairs.
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ShopYour Floral Indulgence
566 High Street, Penrith
Head here when you want beautifully arranged flowers without the pressure of picking a certain style.
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BarTerminus Hotel
61 Harris Street, Pyrmont
After lying dormant for 30 years, this Pyrmont pub is back.
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RestaurantPazar Food Collective
325 Canterbury Road, Canterbury
This Turkish-Mexican hybrid is a rose among the thorns on Canterbury Road.
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CafeParamount Coffee Project
Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Paramount to those that surround it, this Surry Hills cafe does ripper coffee and fabulous food.