Nourised team 'flat out like a lizard drinking'

Owner Julie Zahl explains what drives her and her hand-picked team.

GREAT TEAM: The Nourished on Capper crew (from left) owner Julie Zahl, Marama Waterhouse, Mandy Ballin and Jacqui Kirk. Picture: Alex Treacy

IN THE year since Nourished on Capper took over the old ANZ bank building in Gayndah, the cafe has become a focal point of the town.

"Nourished is flourishing,” owner Julie Zahl said, showing off her love for words.

"We are flat out like a lizard drinking.”

When the bank closed in late 2016, the semi-retired Mrs Zahl's mind went in to overdrive: how to rescue this historic building for the benefit of her beloved community?

And so Nourished on Capper was born.

Mrs Zahl, with that way of words again, said instead of retiring, she was "refiring.”

"(Opening a cafe) was never on my bucket list,” she said.

"But it's become almost a little calling on my life.

"It's a way to love on the town.

"I love people, I love the town, I love to cook and I love creating nice environments.

"I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity.”

TASTY TREATS: Nourished on Capper's cake cabinet is always overflowing with freshly-baked pastries. Picture: Alex Treacy

Looking back on a successful first year of business, Mrs Zahl said the Nourished name is being spread not only through the North Burnett but Australia-wide thanks to the word of mouth of satisfied travellers.

"We get such amazing comments, people tell us they didn't expect such a beautiful place in a little town like Gayndah,” Mrs Zahl said.

"We're doing what we hoped, people are feeling embraced, they come here to read books, employees hold staff meetings here.

"I think we're only going to grow the more people know about us.”

Mrs Zahl and her hand-picked staff, without whom she said Nourished would be a shadow of what it is, specialise in creamy coffees and refreshing iced drinks, and well-cooked, well-seasoned, generous breakfast and lunch food, all delivered with a personal touch which leaves customers feeling appreciated and valued.

Mrs Zahl, who cooks much of the food herself, said she has always loved entertaining, whether through hosting dinner parties or providing fuel for her family after a big day in the orchards.

With the help of Jenny Ulcoq, the Nourished cake cabinet glows with an incredible variety of cheesecakes, brownies, tarts and slices, all handmade with a loving touch.

"Jenny is a Godsend for coming to me,” Mrs Zahl said.

Mrs Zahl said it has freed her up to devote more time to the Nourished kitchen, a place where she is incredibly happy.

Cooking is, after all, like a "love language” for Mrs Zahl.

Nourished on Capper is open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Saturday.