Here’s a fresh batch of Reads & Feeds to keep you ahead of the curve in hospitality. From the hidden costs of payments to café trends and visa shake-ups, these insights will help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of running a venue.

1. There are more hidden costs to payments than people think 

Liven partner Tyro on surcharging and the potential impact to operators here in Australia. Jon Davey, CEO, Tyro is right “a total surcharging ban would be unfair to Australian merchants who would be forced to absorb high card costs”. 

For hospitality operators, these costs aren’t minor—they add up quickly, especially with the growing reliance on digital payments. Without the ability to pass on fees, venues may have to raise prices or cut expenses elsewhere, impacting service quality and profitability. Given the already tight margins in the industry, venue owners should keep a close eye on regulatory changes that could reshape their bottom line.

2. Cafe’s and Bakeries performing well - Is Espresso in your Strategy?

Are RFGs results a pointer to consumers trimming spending but still enjoying cafes and casual dining? Retail Food Group (RFG) reported strong sales momentum for its café, coffee, and bakery segment in Australia for the six months ending December 31, 2024. Of note, espresso remains a key strategy for driving growth.

Despite economic pressures, coffee remains a daily ritual for many Australians. Consumers may be cutting back on big-ticket spending, but their loyalty to quality coffee and baked goods remains strong. This trend highlights an opportunity for venues to double down on their coffee offerings—whether through premium beans, specialty brews, or loyalty programs. With espresso sales driving revenue, businesses that refine their coffee strategy could see stronger customer retention and increased foot traffic.

As the market evolves, it’s worth considering whether your venue is making the most of this demand. Is espresso a core part of your growth plan?

3. New visa rules to further hit labour tight hospo sector 

Recent changes to Australia's visa program have removed café managers from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), potentially making it harder for café owners to hire and retain skilled international staff.

With an already stretched workforce, this change could add even more pressure to hospitality operators struggling to find experienced managers. Many cafés rely on skilled visa holders to fill key leadership roles, ensuring smooth operations and consistent service. Without access to this talent pool, businesses may face longer hiring times, increased training costs, and operational challenges.

For venue owners, adapting to this shift might mean rethinking hiring strategies—whether through upskilling local staff, improving retention efforts, or exploring alternative visa pathways. As labour shortages persist, industry advocacy will be crucial to ensuring hospitality remains a sustainable and attractive sector to work in.