When VK and Manjula made the move from Sydney to Melbourne, they brought with them a deep love for hospitality and a desire to build something of their own. VK had already run a café in Sydney and had been working in Melbourne’s hospitality scene, but it was time for the next step.
That next step came in the form of Gasworks Café.
At the time, the business wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders. It had potential, sure—but the numbers weren’t great, and the space needed some love. When VK and Manjula reached out about the opportunity, we had an honest conversation about where the café was at—and more importantly, where it could be with the right approach.
Seeing Potential Others Might Miss
Together, we looked past the short-term struggles and focused on long-term potential. They moved quickly to make an offer, and once that was accepted, the real work began, navigating the lease assignment and securing landlord approval.
This was no small task. The landlord had strict requirements, and the lease process involved multiple rounds of negotiation. I worked closely with VK and Manjula to develop a detailed business plan and supporting documentation that clearly outlined their vision and capability.
After two meetings with the landlord and considerable preparation, we received the green light.
From Transaction to Transformation
Once the deal was settled, VK and Manjula didn’t stop there. They asked me to stay on and help them shape the next chapter of the business. Together, we refined the menu, upgraded the food presentation, streamlined customer flow, and made more strategic changes to the café layout and operations.
When they purchased the business, it was generating around $13,000 per week in revenue. Their target was $15,000. Fast forward a few months after taking over, and Gasworks Café is now consistently hitting $20,000 a week and has remained a favourite with the locals.
Looking Ahead
Now, VK and Manjula are back in touch, not to fix problems, but to plan for growth.
They’re exploring new locations and even considering opportunities for friends and family. That’s what we love to see: clients turning into confident operators, and one successful project turning into a bigger vision.
This story is a perfect reminder: when you combine passion, persistence, and the right support, you get results.
Thinking about growing your hospitality business, preparing for a sale, or looking for the right café opportunity?
Reach out to me for a confidential chat. Whether you’re buying, selling, or scaling up, my experience and hands-on approach can help you achieve real results, just like VK and Manjula did.
