‘It’s nice to do something that makes people happy’: Myall Health precinct welcomes new cafe on the block

A woman traded her police badge for a coffee machine when she decided to follow her passion and open Dalby’s newest cafe, bringing a unique blend to the industry.

A former police officer has traded her police badge for the coffee machine after she renovated and opened a new home-style cafe in Dalby.

Kim Thomas was an officer for 13 years and moved to Dalby three years ago for a change of pace.

It was while in her new hometown she was presented with the opportunity to pursue her true passion and open Coffee Consult.

“I thought this would be a good experience to do something that I really love and am passionate about,” Mrs Thomas said.

“It’s totally different (to police work). I sleep through the night and it’s nice to do something that makes people happy.”

The newly renovated cafe officially opened Monday and is located in the Myall Health precinct on North Street, the former location of Marissa’s Espresso.

It has been redesigned to allow for more food prep.

“We’re still (renovating) a few things but it was done in a whole weekend, we had a lot of people out here helping. I’ve got a lot of friends who are builders,” Mrs Thomas said.

Barista Hayley Pritchard and owner of Coffee Consult Kim Thomas, July 2022. Picture: Emily Devon

Mrs Thomas and barista Hayley Pritchard are hoping to draw in more members of the community with a home cooked-style menu, and trading hours from 6am to 4pm to cater for school and work runs.

“We have our everyday menu, homemade sausage rolls, toasties and bacon and egg wraps but on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday on our social media we’re going to update it and have a specials day,” she said.

Coffee Consult offers coffee that makes a difference in the community as their provided coffee beans, Wolff Coffee Roasters donates funds and services to Women’s Legal Services Queensland.

“We love them because they donate a lot back to the community and donate to domestic violence,” Mrs Thomas.

The cafe that still has a little way to go before being complete, as Mrs Thomas explained they’re going to add more seating, bar stools and greenery to the front area will offer the community a unique coffee experience.

“We’re unique because it’s a smaller coffee roaster so we’re using a specialised bean that I don’t think too many have here in Dalby and the home cooking here as well, I think that makes us different.”

Coffee Consult is open 6am to 4pm weekdays at 3-37 North Street.