Wombat Cafe and Grill refutes rumours of closure as business celebrates two years

A beloved Western Downs cafe has thanked the community for their continued support as they celebrate their second anniversary while hosing down rumours of its closure.

Wombat Cafe and Grill celebrates two years.

Jandowae’s Wombats Cafe and Grill has quashed rumours about their supposed closure as they celebrate their second anniversary.

One of the few eateries in town, owners Dwayne and Jen Frenken first opened the cafe in 2022, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“My wife wanted to open a cafe for her whole life and when my dad had a heart attack he sold his farm so we decided to open a cafe in the town,” he said.

“My wife is the backbone of it all, she is the driving force behind it.

“We celebrated our two years on Melbourne Cup day and it was great, we have been going along well with good support from the community. We are very happy.

“It really snuck up on us this year, last year we had a cake and celebrations but we were really busy with catering this year.

Wombat Cafe and Grill celebrate two years

Mr Frenken said the cafe has become a meeting place for Jandowae locals.

“It's somewhere for people to go and hang out, we have a group of lovely ladies who are in here twice a week for a chat, it is a meeting place for people,” he said.

“Before the cafe there wasn't much else, to go sit down have a coffee and talk to your mates.”

Mr Frenken encouraged people to stop by for a meal.

“We want people to get a good feed for a good price, I’m a big eater so I want to make sure everyone has a good feed when they come here,” he said.

“We get people tell us its too much and they can’t eat it all and we give them a doggy bag to take it home.

Mr Frenken thanked the locals for their support over the years.

“Without the locals it is nothing,” he said.

“We have had lots of support and hopefully that continues to keep the doors open.

“It’s all about the people, I like to hear that it’s a great place and get good feedback, it makes you proud of what you’re doing.”