In this episode of Profits & Parenting, Jordan sits down with Donna Marcus, hospitality consultant and former owner of Brunch Box, a cafe in Midlothian she ran for six years before selling the business and keeping the building. Donna started in bars and restaurants, moved into training management for a pub group, and is now a mum of two boys building a consultancy for hospitality startups.
In this episode, Donna shares how to start a cafe the right way: choosing premises with the right use class, why she bought a freehold instead of signing a commercial lease, and how she opened within a week of getting the keys. She and Jordan get into running a cafe through Covid, why she sold up for family life, and how selling as a leasehold while holding the property turned the business into long term rental income. They also cover staffing, HR without an HR department, and building a consultancy on a budget while raising young children.
Key Takeaways:
• Check the use class before you sign, because the wrong premises can leave you applying for planning that may not go through
• Anything that goes wrong with a leased property is your cost, which is why Donna chose a freehold
• Plan suppliers, staff and training before the keys arrive so the doors open fast
• Systems, checklists and written procedures are what let you step away from a cafe and take a holiday
• Selling the business as a leasehold while keeping the building creates rental income and an asset
• ACAS and the Federation of Small Businesses give small owners HR and employment support
• Amazing service is the best unique selling point, and it costs nothing extra
Best Moments:
"Anything that goes wrong with your property, if you're leasing it, you're paying for it."
"I don't want people to fall into the trap of what they think is the dream and then it can quickly become a nightmare."
"What's the point in doing something if you can't still enjoy your family life and your home life?"
"You need to be the best communicator that there is, you need to be better than an army sergeant at communicating."
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📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitsandparenting
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@profitsandparenting
Guest Links:
🌐 Website: https://hcmconsultant.co.uk
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospitality_consultancy_mentor/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-marcus-9b8860241/
Host Links:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejordanrobb
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrobb15
📧 Email: jordan@jordanrobb.com
🌐 Website: https://www.jordanrobb.com
Watch the Show:
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfitsandParenting
About the Host and Guest:
Jordan Robb is an Edinburgh based property investor, developer and business strategist, and founder of multiple property businesses. Beyond the deals, Jordan is building a personal brand and advisory practice around property, business strategy, and balancing ambition with family life.
Profits & Parenting is where he brings that mission to life, hosting conversations with business owners who are scaling wealth without losing time with the people who matter most.
Donna Marcus is a hospitality consultant with 20+ years of experience as an owner, manager and trainer, and the former owner of Brunch Box. She helps cafe, bar and restaurant startups plan, launch and run successfully.
