Mount Gambier sisters take over reins at former Royal Copenhagen store, opening Royal Dessert and Cafe

Three sisters who dreamt of their own cafe have taken over a cult ice cream and dessert bar after it abruptly closed – even saving all the staff.

Royal Dessert and Cafe, Mount Gambier, celebrated its first day open yesterday at the former Copenhagen shop on Commercial Street East. Picture: Jessica Dempster

A trio of local sisters have taken over and rebranded a popular ice cream store in Mount Gambier’s main street, keeping on all existing staff.

and some menu items created by the previous owners.

Local sisters Germany Paw, Htoo Eay Paw Lee and Lizar Lee, have opened the Royal Dessert and Cafe at the old Royal Copenhagen store, which recently closed.

Lizar said their family has always dreamt of opening a business in Mount Gambier – particularly a cafe – but had reservations, especially given the city’s saturated cafe and coffee shop scene.

Local sisters Lizar, Germany and Htoo (not pictured) have taken over the reins at what was formerly Royal Copenhagen Mount Gambier – rebranding the business into their new Royal Dessert and Cafe. Picture: Jessica Dempster.

Royal Dessert and Cafe kept on all of Royal Copenhagen's staff, including Skylar and Georgia. Picture: Jessica Dempster.

“But when we saw that Copenhagen was on the market, we thought it was a great opportunity to step into something that was already established but we could still make into our own,” she said

Keeping on all of Copenhagen’s staff, Royal Dessert Cafe opened just four days after their predecessor served their last scoops.

Their menu features some of the unique items introduced by Copenhagen’s previous owners – Marj and Tony D’Agostino and offers a large range of breakfast, lunch and dessert options.

“At the moment, we have some of the desserts and breakfast items from the previous menu but we have added some additional items to serve as some lunchtime meals including chicken schnitzels, fish and chips, tempura prawns as well as some kids menu things like chicken nuggets and hot dogs so the whole family can come in and enjoy,” Lizar said.

The sisters at Royal Dessert and Cafe said their first couple of days in business have been "manageable" due to the winter weather, but have received a lot of support from their friends, family, and other community members who have popped in to check out the new business. Picture: Facebook.

“I think what’s good about this place is that we already have waffles, crepes and doughnuts – classic desserts that everyone loves – which we can reinvent and put or own spin on.”

Lizar and Germany said their first two days in operation were manageable, likely due to large amounts of wind and rain the city has experienced this week, but had plenty of friends, family and community members stop by the check out the new place and show their support.

“It’s still fairly quiet at the moment because it’s so cold but when it heats up a little bit and summer and school holidays come around, we’re definitely excited for it to get busy and add some new things to the menu that people will love hopefully.”

More information about Royal Dessert and Cafe, including their menu, opening hours and specials can be found on their social media.