Owning a café is a dream many aspire to, but taking that first step can be quite daunting. Questions about risks, numbers, and the ability to run a business tend to weigh heavily on first-time buyers.
This story is about Heyju, a passionate pastry chef turned café owner, and how, with the right guidance, she transformed from a nervous first-time buyer into the proud owner of Bakery Café Hazel—a unique and flourishing café in Rozelle, Sydney.
If you’re a first-time buyer struggling with fears about buying a café, or simply seeking inspiration, read on. We’ll share Heyju’s success story and provide actionable advice to help you follow in her footsteps.
The Aspiring Café Owner
Meet Heyju. Originally from Korea, Heyju moved to Australia with a dream of sharing her love for baking and hospitality. After honing her skills with industry leaders like Black Star Pastry, she was eager to create her own space—a haven for cakes, cookies, and specialty coffee. The vision became even clearer when she decided to name her future café after her beloved dog, Hazel.
But transitioning from a chef to a business owner wasn’t a simple leap. The ambitions were high, but so were the fears. Starting a business—especially for the first time—felt overwhelming. That’s where the guidance of Olivia, her broker from GSE, came into play.
The Business Opportunity
The opportunity came in the form of a café space called “Fancy Nancy.” While the location was beautifully renovated, its previous owner, Harold, hadn’t been able to get the business off the ground due to time constraints. The café had potential, but as a non-trading business, it presented additional challenges—mainly the lack of cash flow or an existing customer base.
Heyju weighed the risks carefully. Could she attract customers? Could she establish operations from scratch? These were valid concerns, but Olivia saw the untapped potential and knew how to help Heyju overcome her hesitation.
Addressing the Fears of a First-Time Buyer
It’s completely natural for first-time buyers to feel hesitant. “Am I making the right choice?” “Can I handle the financial risks?” Heyju wrestled with these questions, just like many others do. Olivia shares, “Objections and hesitation are all part of the process. My job was to break those fears down into actionable insights and provide clarity.”
The Solution
To help ease Heyju’s concerns, Olivia:
- Scheduled another phonecall: During this conversation, Olivia walked Heyju through the financials, providing realistic projections for revenue and highlighting what the site could achieve.
- Provided Market Analysis: By analysing local market conditions and using industry benchmarks, Olivia demonstrated a clear path to turning Fancy Nancy into a successful venture.
- Mapped Best and Worst-Case Scenarios: Transparency was key to instilling confidence, helping Heyju visualise both the risks and rewards.
Armed with this information and a clear business plan, Heyju felt more confident about purchasing the café.
Transitioning from a non-trading venue to a successful Business.
Unlike buying an established business, acquiring a non-trading café comes with its unique challenges. Without immediate cash flow, the first few weeks were critical for laying the foundation for success.
For Bakery Café Hazel, those early weeks revolved around:
- Re-engaging the local community: Leveraging social media and community outreach, Heyju built excitement for the new café.
- Streamlining operations: She created efficient workflows behind the scenes to ensure smooth service from day one.
- Selecting quality suppliers: Consistency in products such as coffee beans, cakes, and baked goods was essential for winning over customers.
While staffing shortages and unexpected supplier delays posed initial hurdles, both Heyju and Olivia remained proactive, tackling each issue with a strategic action plan.
A Thriving Business is Born
Today, Bakery Café Hazel is thriving. Known for its creative cakes, indulgent cookies, and exceptional coffee, it has quickly gained a loyal customer base. Foot traffic continues to rise, with glowing customer reviews putting the café on the map as a must-visit spot for coffee and sweets lovers.
Heyju’s future plans include growing the wholesale arm of the business and further embedding Bakery Café Hazel as an integral part of the local community.
How GSE and Olivia Helped Make It Happen
Heyju’s success story would not have been possible without the right guidance. Olivia and the GSE team’s support, expertise, and industry insights played a pivotal role. Here’s how they made the difference:
- Market Appraisal: By showcasing the business’s untapped potential, Olivia was able to reveal opportunities that weren’t immediately obvious.
- Risk Mitigation: The deal structure was carefully designed to minimise risks for Heyju as a first-time buyer.
- Pre- and Post-Purchase Support: From operational advice to onboarding suppliers and marketing, the guidance didn’t end with the sale.
Advice for First-Time Café Buyers
If you’re considering purchasing a café but feel hesitant, here are some key takeaways from Heyju’s experience:
- Objections are normal: It’s okay to feel unsure. What’s important is that you address these fears with the right information and support.
- Numbers tell the story: Don’t just look at the current state of a business; evaluate its potential. Work with an expert broker who understands how to assess and project future growth.
- Prioritise location and market fit: A good venue with a well-thought-out niche can set you up for long-term success.
- Lean on experience: Having an experienced broker or professional guide you can make all the difference, simplifying the process and ensuring you make informed decisions.
Starting Your Own Café Journey
Heyju’s story is proof that first-time buyers can take the leap and succeed when they have the right support behind them. With the help of GSE and Olivia, she turned a hesitant “What if?” into a thriving local café.
If you’re dreaming of owning a café but feel overwhelmed by the process, we’re here to help. Our team specialises in guiding first-time buyers through every step of their journey—from finding the perfect opportunity to laying the groundwork for success.
Book a call today to discuss your goals and explore opportunities in the café world. Your success could be the next story we tell.
