Sarina cafe’s secret to thriving during COVID

Third Ground Coffee House didn’t just survive the pandemic, it thrived. Here’s how >>>

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Queensland, the sibling trio behind Third Ground Coffee House knew they had to act fast.

Owners Skye Bailey, Wesley Bailey and Yana Temple were up against their biggest challenge since they purchased the business from the original owners - Alexes and Phil - a few years ago.

Ms Bailey said the team's ability to adapt and embrace new technology helped the business not only survive the pandemic, but thrive and grow during this period of uncertainty.

The coffee house began doing takeaway-only and a started a delivery service during the height of COVID when cafes and restaurants could not have dine-in customers.

It was one of the first businesses in the Sarina area to offer an online ordering system via its app.

"We never had to close, which was a huge blessing," Ms Bailey said.

"But we had to keep up to date with all the rules.

"We grew bigger, that's for sure, but it's still hard.

"We struggled but we also thrived."

Ms Bailey pointed to the friendly Sarina community as Third Ground's secret to success.

"The community out here supported us so much," she said.

"They just had our back."

But the business also gives back - its mission is to connect people through good food and be a hub for the community.

Each season, Third Ground hosts a community feast where people are invited to bring a plate of food to share.

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The cafe also hosts movie nights, parties and markets for the community.

"People really feel like they can come here and connect with each other," Ms Bailey said.

And while it can sometimes be difficult working with family, the Bailey siblings have found a groove that works for them.

"We all agreed when we came into this business that we needed to do something we loved, as well as work," Ms Bailey said.

"It's a hard job running a cafe, so we needed an outlet."

Ms Bailey's outlet is creativity. She is responsible for most of the artwork around the cafe.

Her brother Wesley is a tech whiz and takes care of all the systems used in the cafe.

Sister Yana is an interior designer and people-person who acts as the team leader.

Ms Bailey said the previous owners, Alexes and Phil, as well as Sarah and Janelle, were an important part of the cafe's success.

"Third Ground wouldn't be the place that it is now without the people behind it," she said.

This story was thanks to the My Town series - a Daily Mercury and Mackay Regional Council initiative.

 

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