Zarby’s Cafe set to ‘rock and roll’ with new menu, decorations and Betty Boop statue

A Bruce Highway cafe is doubling down on its retro vibe, adding pink Cadillac meals to the 1950s style diner which brings customers back for good times. SEE THE MENU.

A cafe inspired by musical and pop culture icons from the 1950s and 60s is doubling down on its retro aesthetic and overhauling their menu to take diners back to a simpler time.

Zarby’s Cafe, a Mount Ossa cafe on the Bruce Highway run by mum and daughter team Michelle and Danielle Zarb has been a favourite of travellers and tourists since its opening six years ago.

“We thought a 50s inspired cafe would be a great attraction for people,” Danielle said.

“We all like Elvis and always been into that old type of music … we had a bit of a flair for it.”

Michelle Zarb and her husband bought the CRT Mount Ossa Rural building years ago and operated the farm supply and general store.

Michelle and Danielle Zarb started the cafe six years ago and are now overhauling their menu and restaurant to embrace the retro themes they both love.

“You could get bread, milk … just general grocery items,” Michelle said.

“Once we got up and established we then decided to rebuild the general store part and make it into a cafe.”

Zarby's Cafe is known for its burgers, with the Fonzie Burger being a particular favourite.

The new menu will serve breakfast until 10.30am with eggs benedict, farmers breakfast and brekky burgers while the all day lunch menu features much more on the burger side.

“It’s what people want and what everyone’s attracted to, “Danielle said.

“People come for a milkshake and a burger.”

Danielle said the most popular is the Fonzie burger, which is two beef patties with bacon.

“People love it,” she said.

Although the pumpkin loaf is popular, Zarby’s offers great variety when it comes to sweet treats.

On top of burgers, Zarby’s Cafe is known for its baked goods, with the pumpkin loaf being a favourite.

“I get in trouble with customers if I don’t make it,” Danielle said.

The renovations have so far included the installation of a black and white checkered floor with more booths and high tables on the way to accommodate for the already large volume of traffic the Zarbs handle.

The Zarbs are 50s enthusiasts with Michelle growing up on Happy Days and Danielle thrifting Elvis albums to play on the record player in her room.

Also included in the new decor will be a five foot statue of Betty Boop wearing a waitress outfit and new colour scheme.

“Your eyes will just be everywhere,” Danielle said.

“It’ll all be very busy, very bright and pastelly.”

Cadillac combos include a kids lunch meal and the choice of a junior milkshake, slushie or juice for $15.50.

Trying to pass on their love of the 1950s to the next generation, the two have come up with the idea of Cadillac Combos, their own take on a happy meal where instead of being served on a plate, kids meals will come in a pink cadillac.

“It’s a pink vintage car made of cardboard with a kids drink and mini slider burger,” Danielle said.

“It’s just really a bit of fun.”

The new and improved Zarby’s and its menu should be ready to “rock and roll” by Christmas, but in the meantime the diner will remain open as usual.

“We just wanted to bring that nostalgia to the cafe and make it very homey and kinda funky at the same time,” Danielle said.