Ravenshoe cafe popular again

A popular Tablelands cafe has come back stronger than ever after closing their doors earlier this year.

Chloe Rooney and Caleb Ahern of Ravenshoe catch up in the newly restored booths at the historically significant Popular Cafe Ravenshoe which has recently reopened to the public with a new menu. PHOTO: David Anthony

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THE popular Popular Cafe was populated with its old customers and new ones when it reopened.

The Ravenshoe cafe closed in March leaving locals without the option of enjoying a meal, snack or coffee in the ambience of a historic 80-year-old cafe.

Almost destroyed in a fire in 1990, the original furniture included the old-world timber dining booths, milk bar and plate glass windows were salvaged and restored.

Danika Withers prepares delicious toasted sandwiches in the Popular Cafe Ravenshoe kitchen. David Anthony photo

Max and Maxine Miles announced they were closing the business in March.

Tanya Saunders, who had worked in the Popular Cafe for some seven years and loved the place, made a decision to lease the building to resurrect the business.

Popular Cafe Ravenshoe opened its doors on Friday, July 19, and had been overwhelmed at the support from returning customers.

“This cafe is part of our history,” Mrs Saunders said.

“I worked hard to see it open again.”

Building owner John Hardy restored the timber booths and gave the tables a polished finish.

A new front bench had been installed and Mrs Saunders bought new tables to complement the booths.

“We will be putting up some old photos and items of interest on display such as an old till,” Mrs Saunders said.

The renewal includes some new plans. Opening hours will be 8am-5pm and Friday to Sunday 8am-8pm to give customers dinner options over the weekend.

Margaret and Paul Russell of Tolga enjoy Sunday morning breakfast at the newly reopened Popular Cafe Ravenshoe. PHOTO: David Anthony

“We have changed the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she said.

“We want to provide the kind of food you can enjoy in the city without having to go to the city.

“We intend to cater for functions such as Christmas parties on and off the premises.

“We will make birthday cakes according to the customer’s requirements.”

Mrs Saunders and her team of five are enjoying the hard work. “We are getting along really well — we are like family,” she said.

Mrs Saunders is keen to work with Ravenshoe State High School to train hospitality students as kitchen hands and baristas.

“We need to provide these opportunities for future generations,” she said.

“We will provide trainees the opportunity to get hands-on experience, not just washing dishes.”

Originally published as Ravenshoe cafe popular again