Welcome to ”Bean There, Done That!” your essential podcast for mastering the world of hospitality. Hosted by industry expert, Phillip Di Bella, we cut through the noise to deliver straightforward, actionable insights and strategies. Each episode explores the powerful interplay of knowledge and connections, presenting real-life case studies from Australia’s thriving hospitality scene. We feature thought leaders who share their experiences, ensuring you have the answers you need when facing a ...
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Philip Di Bella Podcasts
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2025 Wrap Up. Café Reality Check: Adjustment, Relentless Costs & What Comes Next, With Raihaan Esat
29:37
29:37
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29:372025 was not a “business as usual” year for cafés. It was a year of adjustment. In this final episode of Bean There, Done That for 2025, Phil Di Bella is joined by long-time collaborator and one of Australia’s top coffee minds, Raihaan Esat, General Manager of International Coffee Traders. Together, they unpack a relentless year for café owners: ri…
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1
Using Holidays to Drive Sales with Emotion. With Natalie Shaw
40:29
40:29
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40:29In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella is joined by marketing expert Natalie Shaw, co-founder of Yom Connect, to explore how hospitality businesses can use seasonal moments like Christmas to build emotional connections and drive real results. With over 25 years of marketing experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the US…
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Delivering Service Excellence And How To Exceed Your Customers' Expectations. With Mark Shaw
57:38
57:38
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57:38In this high-energy and insight-packed episode of Bean There, Done That, Phil Di Bella is joined by renowned guest experience expert Mark Shaw. With decades of leadership in Australia’s top theme parks, Mark unpacks what makes a truly unforgettable guest experience and how emotional engagement is the secret sauce to sustainable business growth. Fro…
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Surcharges, Swipe Fees & Strategy: Preparing for the RBA Ban, with Larry Prosser
40:27
40:27
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40:27In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Larry Prosser, Executive Director of Beyond Payments, to unpack the Reserve Bank of Australia’s proposed ban on card surcharges. They break down what this policy really means for consumers, merchants, and banks—and why the supposed “savings” for customers might actually back…
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Exit Ready: How to Sell Your Hospitality Business for Maximum Value. With Vince Konig and Jodie Castle
41:29
41:29
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41:29In 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. Liste…
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Financial Insights for Small Business. With Barry Wilkinson
40:10
40:10
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40:10In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Barry Wilkinson of SW Brokerage for an eye-opening discussion about finance, business strategy, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. Together, they dig into the current financial climate, the practicalities of buying and selling hospitality businesses, and the real cha…
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Insurance Key Considerations for Small Business. With Karla Vosloo
37:18
37:18
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37:18In this essential episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Karla Vosloo, Account Manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers, to demystify the world of insurance for small business owners—especially those in hospitality. Karla shares invaluable insights on how insurance has changed since COVID, the hidden pitfalls of underins…
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The Death of the Traditional Café. With Raihaan Esat
39:22
39:22
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39:22In this thought-provoking discussion, hospitality veterans Phil Di Bella and Raihaan Esat dive deep into the evolution—and possible extinction—of the traditional café. They trace the journey from café culture’s golden age to today’s high-cost, low-margin reality, uncovering the harsh truths behind shrinking profits, rising expectations, and the imp…
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The Post Election HR/IR Landscape. With Tim Dive
1:09:51
1:09:51
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1:09:51In this timely episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Tim Dive, founder of the HR Cartel and host of the HR Cartel Podcast, to unpack the complex and fast-changing world of industrial relations (IR) and human resources (HR) in Australia. With wage theft now a criminal offence and IR reforms disproportionately impacti…
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Green Beans Global Trends and Forecasts: What Roasters Need to Know Now - With Raihaan Esat and Shari Wilding
38:10
38:10
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38:10In this episode of Bean There, Done That, guest host Shari Wilding sits down with Raihaan Esat, coffee trader at International Coffee Traders (ICT), to explore the current state of the global coffee market. They discuss the rising cost of green beans, the impact of climate change and logistics disruptions, and the emerging coffee markets that could…
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The Role of Community in Cafes. With Justin Swayn from BrewBox Collective
28:15
28:15
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28:15In this episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Justin Swayn, founder of Brew Box Collective, an award-winning café in Baringa, Sunshine Coast. Justin shares his deeply personal journey—from overcoming life’s toughest challenges to building a café that’s more than just a place to grab a coffee. His story is a testamen…
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Growing Business and the Courage to Call. with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini.
36:40
36:40
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36:40In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil DiBella sits down with Mikella Esposito and Laurence Santini, the ambitious young duo behind Como Restaurant in West End. They share their journey from different professional backgrounds—Mikella with her creative and entrepreneurial roots, and Laurence with a law degree—to becoming passionate resta…
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Matt Jefferis on Systems, Success, and Savoury Insights: Creating a Café Legacy
42:51
42:51
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42:51In 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 s…
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Creating Iconic Dining Experiences: The Art of Hospitality with Simon Gloftis
38:00
38:00
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38:00In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella sits down with Simon Gloftis, a leading figure in Australia's hospitality industry. Simon shares his remarkable journey, from his early days in flea markets to creating iconic dining destinations like Hellenika, SK Steak and Oyster, Sushi Room, and Sunshine. They delve into the intricacies…
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Todd Biggs’ Journey in Hospitality Success: From Fast Food to Fine Coffee
29:28
29:28
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29:28In 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 …
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The Yiros Revolution: How Nicholas Mitrossilis Transformed Brisbane’s Food Scene
33:01
33:01
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33:01In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Nicholas Mitrossilis, the founder and managing director of The Yiros Shop, a beloved fast-food chain in Brisbane. Nick shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days growing up in a family-owned fish and chip shop to building a thriving business with over 16 stor…
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Flipping Cafes, Crafting Success: How Giorgina Venzin Shapes the Hospitality Scene
34:19
34:19
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34:19In this inspiring episode of Bean There Done That, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Giorgina Venzin, a dynamic hospitality entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from washing dishes at age 13 to owning multiple successful cafes by her early 30s. Giorgina shares valuable insights into the hard work, sacrifices, and creative vision that fuel her success…
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From Dishwashing to a Burger Empire: The Success Story of Matthew Rollo
34:40
34:40
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34:40In this episode, Phillip Di Bella sits down with Matthew Rollo, the founder of Hashtag Burgers and Waffles, to explore his inspiring journey in the hospitality industry. Starting as a dishwasher at 14, Matthew’s career grew from washing dishes to managing his own multi-location burger business. The conversation covers the highs and lows of entrepre…
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Selling Sustainability in Cafes. With Michael McFarlane
22:41
22:41
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22:41In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phil Di Bella is joined by Michael McFarlane, Head of Sales and Marketing at Huskee, to discuss sustainability in the cafe industry. They explore the role of reusable cups, misconceptions about sustainability, and how cafes can implement environmentally friendly practices. Michael shares insights from h…
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Leverage Your Leadership to stay competitive in the Digital Age. With Marija Hall
43:13
43:13
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43:13In this episode of Bean There, Done That!, host Phil Di Bella welcomes Marija Hall, Director of Momentous Australia, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership. Marija shares her passion for developing great leaders and helping teams thrive in the digital age. The conversation covers the shift from traditional leadership styles to more inclusi…
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