Sarina cafe Third Ground Coffee House operators move to expand

The operators of a popular cafe say the landlord’s plans to sell have come at the perfect time. Find out what their plans are.

The operators of one of Sarina’s most popular cafes will be moving next year after the property from where they currently operate was recently put up for sale.

The operators of Third Ground Coffee House’s lease ends at their current location on 28 Central Street in February 2023.

Co-operator Wesley Bailey said they had been looking for a “strategic expansion” as the business grew from strength to strength.

“In fact, we made that decision before they put it up for sale”, Mr Bailey said.

“All of our dining just gets packed out on Saturdays.”

Wes and Skye Bailey

Mr Bailey said he had worked at the cafe since it began in 2015 with renovations by the landlord and a “fellowship of people” that included his parents.

Following the impact of Cyclone Debbie, Mr Bailey became a co-owner in 2017, alongside his two sisters, while still finishing a university degree.

“It’s just kept on growing and growing with the support of the community”, he said.

“Because that’s what we’re about.

“Our mission is quite literally to connect people with each other.”

Aerial map of the area surrounding 28 Central Street, Sarina. Photo: Explore Property

Third Ground has a history of community programming, including its new podcast, movie nights and first coffee competition, Grounded Festival, coming in October.

Mr Bailey said he the landlords had been supportive of the business' expansion. 

“They’ve always been egging us on,” he said.

Herb garden at Third Ground Coffee House. Photo: Wes and Skye Bailey

“They also encouraged us to go find a place that works for us.”

While Third Ground will operate as usual for the next five months, Mr Bailey said a proposed property at 46 Broad Street in Sarina would almost double seating space for a new cafe come February.

“It’s a beautiful big warehouse with exposed beams”, he said.

“With that size, we can do things that we’ve always wanted to do.”