Episode 82

Does Australia Have Too Many Restaurants?

Listen: On spotify

Watch: On youtube

Opening a restaurant has never looked more appealing — or more financially difficult.

This conversation explores the growing pressure across Australian hospitality, from venue oversupply and shrinking disposable income to rising wages, delivery platforms, rent, and cashflow stress. Inspired by David Tsirekas’ article questioning whether Australia simply has too many restaurants and cafés, the discussion breaks down the real economics behind food businesses.

From café coffee volumes and break-even calculations to poker machine revenue, customer demand, and the illusion created by social media hype, the episode looks at why attention doesn’t always translate into sustainable business.

It’s an honest conversation about hospitality economics, risk, survival rates, and the importance of understanding the numbers before opening a venue.