Meet Libby, the heart and soul behind Cut Lunch Deli

Meet Libby Dunlop, the passionate owner of Cut Lunch Deli, a delightful sandwich shop nestled in the heart of Clovelly. Known for its fresh, flavourful, and nostalgic sandwiches, paired perfectly with delicious coffee and homemade treats, Cut Lunch Deli has become a local favourite. We had the pleasure of chatting with Libby about her inspiration for starting the Cut Lunch Deli and the challenges she faces as a small business owner.

Q: Welcome Libby, thanks for taking the time with us today. Can you share with us the concept of Cut Lunch Deli? 

Libby:  Cut Lunch Deli is a deli-style sandwich shop with a focus on seasonal and fresh sandwiches, specialty coffee, and delicious baked goods. We’ve also just opened our After Hours offering, which brings minimal intervention wines and small share plates to the community. 

Q: What stopped you from starting your small business sooner? 

Libby:  COVID, courage, and capital. Just as we were beginning to consider launching our business, the pandemic struck, forcing us to pause our plans. Starting a small business is inherently nerve-racking and risky. However, I always had a passion for small business. When the timing was right and I had saved enough, I crafted a solid business plan and took the plunge. 

Q: How do you balance the demands of running a small business with personal responsibilities? 

Libby:  Honestly, I don’t. Personal responsibilities often go by the wayside. Thankfully, I have great family and friends who understand and support me. Without them, I would have no social life or friends ha-ha because I often miss events. It’s about having people around you who understand and support your journey. 

Q: You’ve recently launched “After-Hours” at Cut Lunch Deli. What sparked that idea? 

Libby:  We felt there was a need in the community for something different in the evening space. We have great pubs in the area, but nowhere you can get an interesting glass of something, especially something focused on Australian wines. All our wines are minimal intervention, sourced from Australian growers, and made in Australia, which is crucial to me as a small business owner committed to supporting other Aussie businesses.  Additionally, we offer a range of local beers that change monthly, and small share plates of seasonal fresh food, that we love, and we want to eat.  

Q: What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were launching your small business? 

Libby:  The hidden costs. There are numerous unexpected expenses, like backflow testing and waste management—who even knows what those are? Ha-ha. Inflation, rising wages, and increasing costs of goods have also posted significant challenges. Navigating these costs and understanding their impact on the business has been a steep learning curve. There are so many additional expenses you don’t initially consider, along with the challenges of managing staff and time. 

Q: Do you live close by to your small business? 

Libby:  Yes, I live just 30 seconds away, and it has been life changing. It allows me to be here whenever needed without feeling burdened. It’s like an extension of my living room. When I used to live further away, it was such a task, and I felt very different. 

Q: How did you find the space for your cafe? 

Libby:  During COVID, I relocated to the Eastern Beaches. Previously, I lived in areas like Annandale and Surry Hills, where incredible food options were always within reach. I noticed a lack of similar choices in my new neighbourhood compared to where I grew up. So, we began searching for a space here, feeling there was a need for more creative and innovative food options for the community. 

Q: If someone was coming to Cut Lunch Deli, what would be the one item you’d ask them to try? 

Libby:  I highly recommend trying the Miss Deli sandwich. It’s a simple yet elevated creation featuring salami, ham, prosciutto, provolone, and plenty of pickled goodies. It’s been a hit! And you’ve got to taste our Burnt Butter Choc Chip Cookie—it’s my pride and joy. 

Q: How do you get inspiration for your sandwiches? 

Libby:  I’m deeply immersed in the food world. Whether I’m experiencing highs or lows, I always find a way to celebrate with food. I draw inspiration from flavours I’ve encountered, cookbooks, and even social media—my social feed is practically all food! For instance, our Sun Kissed sandwich was inspired by a combination of halloumi and peaches featured in one of my favourite cookbooks. 

Q: What do you find most challenging about being a small business owner? 

Libby: The challenges small businesses face is significant, from hidden costs to staffing issues. As a sole business owner, I make every decision, which can be a lot. These challenges often spill over into my personal life, making it hard to make decisions outside of work. Thankfully, I have a super supportive family. 

Q: How big has the support of your family been in starting your small business? 

Libby:  Massive. My family and partner have been incredibly supportive, even working in the kitchen with me on public holidays. Having a strong support network is crucial for any small business owner.  

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how banks could better support small businesses like yours? 

Libby:  Education is lacking when it comes to business banking, and our current banking partner doesn’t offer much support regarding the features available to small business owners like me. For instance, we don’t have a batch payment facility, which makes payroll tedious as I have to manually input all the information. Additionally, payment references are often unclear, leading to a lot of time spent cross-checking. The biggest challenge I face as a small business owner is time. If you want to help small businesses, give them more time. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a small business? 

Libby:  Soo much advice ha-ha. But my top tip is to ensure you have enough capital before starting. You always need more money than you anticipate. Additionally, having a strong support network is important. The journey is tough, but with the right network of friends and family, it becomes incredibly rewarding, you’ve got to be brave. 

Q: What’s next for Cut Lunch Deli? 

Libby:  The big focus now is on our After-Hours service. We worked on it for over a year and a half, and it’s exciting to see it come to life. We’re building it into its own entity, which is a new challenge I’m ready to embrace. 

Follow Cut Lunch Deli on Instagram @cutlunchdeli