Listen "Exit Ready: How to Sell Your Hospitality Business for Maximum Value. With Vince Konig and Jodie Castle"
Episode Synopsis
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 #HospitalityTips
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 #HospitalityTips
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