Scaling a Cafe
Scaling a Café: Why People and Culture Matter Most
Running a café isn’t just about brewing the perfect coffee or serving up a dreamy brunch. It’s about the people behind the counter, the culture that shapes their day, and the consistency that makes every guest feel at home. At Dad and the Frog Café in Surry Hills, we’ve learned that when you start scaling a café, the biggest challenge isn’t your menu it’s your people.
The Heart of a Café: Culture First
In a small café, culture is easy you set the tone, welcome guests, and lead by example. But when you grow, you can’t be everywhere at once. That’s when culture risks slipping. Guests don’t just want the best café breakfast or a quick lunch, they want the same warm, consistent hospitality each time. For us, that means codifying our values and making sure they’re lived by every team member, not just spoken about.
Hiring and Retention: The People Puzzle
Scaling a café means hiring quickly but not every candidate will share the same passion for great coffee or genuine service. It’s tempting to fill rosters fast, but we’ve learned that cultural fit matters as much as skills. Retention is another challenge. Café life can be intense, and keeping staff motivated requires more than a pay slip it’s about recognition, growth, and belonging.
Training That Builds Consistency
Our Surry Hills café regulars know their favourites the Brekkie Roll, the Avocado and Feta, or their morning flat white. To keep things consistent, training has to go beyond shadow shifts. We use clear systems, from recipes to service standards, so whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or lunch, guests always get the same care and quality.
Communication & Leadership
As your team grows, quick chats won’t cut it. Clear communication, feedback loops, and confident managers make all the difference. We’ve found that building strong middle management is key leaders who nurture culture, resolve conflicts, and set the standard. It’s this layer that keeps a café’s heart beating as it expands.
Balance: Systems Without Losing Soul
The trickiest part of scaling a café? Finding balance. Too many systems and your staff feel robotic. Too few and service slips. At Dad and the Frog, we see systems as scaffolding that allows personality, care, and authenticity to shine through.
Final Thoughts
Scaling a café isn’t just about growth it’s about protecting the culture that made it special in the first place. At Dad and the Frog Café, we’re proud to face these challenges head-on, because for us, people will always be the main ingredient.
👉 Want to experience the heart of our café for yourself? Book a table today and taste what makes us one of the best cafes in Surry Hills.
📞 0422809025
📍 96 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills, New South Wales 2010, Australia
🌐 www.dadandthefrog.com.au