Business is never easy, except if you are lucky. They guy was an idiot. Rule #1 in many businesses (e.g. coffee ships, restaurant, hotels, hostels etc.) you are not in the food business or hospitality business but in the real estate business.
Also, besides the location, a cheap rent is crucial to your success. I have seen dentists (in Europe) going out of business because of the rent. In many businesses you are in fact in the real estate business. Have you seen the recent movie about McDonnalds? "Founder"?
Quote: " You build an empire by owning the land. You're not in the burger business. You're in the real estate business."
From the article: "The small cafe connects to the fantasy of throwing a perpetual dinner party."
Face it gentlemen. This guy was an idiot.