Hervey Bay Dayman General Store Cafe to close after two years

Owners of a beloved Hervey Bay cafe have been “overwhelmed” by support after announcing their looming closure, with the 95-year-old building to be transformed into an artisan bakery.

One of Hervey Bay’s most popular cafes is closing after nearly two years in business.

The Hervey Bay Dayman General Store at Urangan is known for its delicious breakfasts, bao buns, coffee, and extensive gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Owners Claire and Matt Straight said the cafe’s last day will be Sunday, November 6, and reopen as an artisan bakery with new owners in March 2023.

“We didn’t realise just how much of a safe space we’ve provided to most of our regulars,” Mrs Straight said.

“We got to know them on a personal level, and so we will miss that connection with our community.”

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The Hervey Bay Dayman General Store owners Claire and Matt Straight.

After Mr Straight had a health scare in 2021, the couple decided it was time to “take a step back”.

Covid also brought its challenges with trying to find a head chef to work in their kitchen.

Mr Straight said the sale “fell into place” after speaking with a customer who mentioned her friend was interested in buying the 95-year-old shop to turn into a bakery.

The couple lived in Alice Springs for six years where they worked full time and ran a Mexican food truck.

Three years ago they decided to move to Hervey Bay to “semi-retire”, but could not resist buying another food truck six months later.

The Hervey Bay Dayman General Store team.

The Dayman General Store’s previous owners allowed the pair to park the truck on the garden area at the cafe.

“He sent us a message one day, ‘Do you want to buy the cafe’ and we thought, how hard could it be?” Mr Straight said.

Mr Straight said many people thought they “were crazy” to start a business in the middle of a pandemic, but said it was the “best thing” they had ever done.

As for their next adventure, the couple has bought a 68-acre block at Buxton near Childers where they will grow their own produce, and live off-the-grid in a home that runs on solar energy.

“We were surprised and overwhelmed to see all the messages on Facebook, because we never thought that we made that much of a difference in the community,” Ms Straight said.

“It’s not just like a transaction to us, we really do make an effort to make that connection.”

The Dayman General Store at Urangan was built in 1927. This photo was taken in 2012.

The pair also helped their staff find new jobs to prepare them for the cafe’s closure.

Comments poured in when the couple announced the closure on social media.

“Best wishes Matt and Claire – what a beautiful legacy you have created and many special memories you’ve contributed to in our community. May your onward journey be fulfilling, peaceful and joyful,” one comment read on Facebook.

“Oh this is so sad for Hervey Bay, but I’m sure your next adventure will be what you need. Thank you for bringing such beautiful food to HB! The cafe will be very missed,” another comment read.

The artisan bakery will open in 2023, and serve sourdough, pastries, pies, and a gluten free range.