Summary
Turnkey, beautifully branded Manly café with complete fitout and streamlined systems. Efficient, easy-to-run space ideal for a long-term operator or owner-operator.
Rent
$7,000 pm
Location Details
Shop 1B/ 1 The Corso, MANLY, NSW 2095
Located on the main pedestrian The Corso, linking Manly Wharf and the beach, catching customers moving to the wharf, arriving from the car park, or stepping off public transport.
Potential
Growth opportunities include extended trading hours to capture commuter and evening demand, a broader grab-and-go offer, and the introduction of high-margin retail SKUs. The brand, menu and marketing framework are intentionally adaptable, enabling targeted optimisation as the operator scales. Recent upgrades to cabinetry, electrical capacity and plumbing further support increased production volume with minimal additional investment.Both first-time and experienced operators can thrive when their approach matches the café’s scale and rhythm.
Skills
This business suits an owner-operator or small team with basic to strong hospitality experience who is seeking a shift from complex, high-pressure venues into a simpler, community-focused model. Success here comes from alignment with the neighbourhood style of service: consistency, genuine customer connection and long-term presence. Strong customer service skills, adaptability and familiarity with food preparation and daily operations are important. The streamlined menu and systems reduce complexity at the start while providing room to grow.
Hours
The café is currently operated 6 days per week, Tue-Sun. Not all public holidays are open.
Lease
The lease remains in place until September 2029. Lease is available as part of contract of sale.
Employees
Current employees are university students living locally. All paid on the book by the Fast Food Industry Award.
Reason for Sale
The owner is exiting after completing the build-and-stabilise phase of the café. Branding and operations now established, the business no longer requires the problem-solving and development work that the owner specialises in. It’s the natural end of a completed cycle, and the café is ready for a long-term operator to take it forward. Regardless of current short-term financials, the sale is based on strategic value: the hard work of rebuilding, stabilising and defining the model is done.
About the Business
This café is shaped into a streamlined, efficient and clearly defined hospitality model, ideal for an operator seeking a stable, low-complexity business in one of Sydney’s most active precincts. Positioned on The Corso—the main pedestrian link between Manly Wharf and the beach—it benefits from strong visibility, consistent foot traffic and easy access for both locals and visitors. The open frontage and compact footprint create a friendly neighbourhood presence that’s easy to run and easy for customers to engage with.
The business currently focuses on simple takeaway offerings supported by strong coffee, fresh juices, signature jaffles and breakfast classics. There is scope to expand into rotating bowls or small brunch dishes if the next operator chooses. The existing menu and service structure were designed to minimise labour intensity, reduce operational overheads and create the kind of comfort that encourages repeat visits. This makes the café particularly suited to operators who value clarity, order and manageable flows rather than high-pressure or complex hospitality environments.
The clientele includes commuters from the wharf, nearby workers, local residents and regulars who appreciate approachable service and a relaxed pace. Foot traffic spans the morning and lunch periods, with a clear opportunity to extend trading into afternoons or early evenings. The café has been steadily building a loyal base—particularly among customers who prioritise good coffee and convenience.
What makes this sale unique is the level of refinement already completed. The system, layout and workflow have been fully developed, allowing a new owner to step in without the uncertainty, waste or trial-and-error that typically accompany a small venue. The site itself presents challenges for an inexperienced operator, but the current fit-out resolves those issues: cabinetry, electrical capacity and plumbing have all been upgraded. This removes the heavy lifting and gives the buyer a stable, functioning base that can still be adapted to their own concept without cost blowouts.
It is a strong investment because the model is lean and the foundational work is done. The buyer gains a ready-to-operate, ready-to-scale café without unnecessary complexity. This opportunity suits someone who values a long-term community presence, enjoys genuine customer interaction and wants a business built on practicality and balance. The return is mutual: the café offers an efficient platform for the right operator, and the neighbourhood offers consistent, supportive trade in return.
History
The café was acquired to bring structure and clarity to a difficult site that lacked direction. The owner rebuilt the venue from the ground up—refining the concept, simplifying operations and creating a stable, well-defined model. With the groundwork complete, the current owner has fulfilled the role of rebuilding and stabilising, and and is now seeking the right long-term operator who can carry the business forward, with skills, style and team structure that align with its next stage of growth.
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