Big city chapter begins for 19 year-old café owner, Tom Oswald, who is bringing Homeboy Adelaide

A once-empty café that turned into a TikTok triumph will open ‘SZN 2’ in the heart of the city with young entrepreneur owner, Tom Oswald excited to expand.

TikTok sensation Tom Oswald is back with the second iteration of his viral cafe, Homeboy – this time in a new CBD location.

Tucked into Yugo Adelaide City, this cafe is a far cry from his first store back in Hahndorf that rose to popularity last year, racked up millions of views and a wide customer base from social media.

Fresh out of high school last year, 18-year-old Oswald opened his dream cafe, Homeboy – a then pop-up store supported by The Paint Box and Thiele’s Shop – to a disappointing zero customers.

Homeboy, aka Tom Oswald at his new city cafe 'Homeboy' on the ground floor of Yugo Adelaide City, North Terrace. Picture Emma Brasier

Devastated, he documented his experiences on TikTok, which resonated deeply with viewers and transformed the once-empty cafe into a bustling space for coffee-lovers.

Now a year later, Mr Oswald is set to introduce ‘SZN 2’ of Homeboy, with Renew Adelaide securing him a snazzy new spot at Yugo Adelaide City, right in the heart of the city.

“I’m in a great location, with students all around. I’ve got the universities right opposite and the student accommodation right above me,” Mr Oswald said.

The teen cafe owner is busy in preparation for the opening, dashing behind the counter every thirty minutes to take out trays of freshly baked cinnamon scrolls.

Like last year, he doesn’t know what to expect, but is determined to take it as it comes.

“I want to make sure I do this right, so I’m putting my all into this. I’m hoping people can tell that from the food and the service, I want to make sure it’s perfect for this location,” Mr Oswald said.

Homeboy, aka Tom Oswald at his new city cafe 'Homeboy' on the ground floor of Yugo Adelaide City, North Terrace. Picture Emma Brasier

The menu boasts some new additions like fresh focaccia bread, four types of delectable sandwiches, cinnamon scrolls – his mother’s homegrown recipe – and of course, coffee.

“It’s still the same menu with a few variations. I want to keep things really simple, but really high quality”.

He credits the support of his followers who he turns to for advice and feedback, which allows him to better speak to his audiences.

“I try to be really transparent in everything that I do, which allows the customer to see every step of the way and every moment of growth,” he said.

“I feel like that allows the audience to connect with the business better and really understand the journey.”

Mr Oswald is keen to lend a hand to other young entrepreneurs through barista classes and work opportunities at Homeboy.

He also encourages posting their experiences on social media.

“Film everything, every step. People love to see your good moments, as well as your bad,” he said.

“Share your journey as much as you can even if you think it’s not interesting, there’s definitely people who would be interested just watching your journey. That’s my advice.”

The CBD location also provides potential for more seasons of Homeboy which the Adelaide teenager is eager to explore.

“Maybe New York one day! Who knows?”

Homeboy café soft launches next Thursday at Yugo Adelaide City before fully opening its doors in early December.