Nanango’s Copper Country Motor Inn welcomes new cafe in exciting revamp

A newly renovated cafe has opened in Nanango, marking the first step in an ambitious project by a young Sydney couple new to the area.

Mark Matula, Alex Mengual, and their son Matteo at the Copper Country Motor Inn, Nanango.

Sydney couple Alex Mengual, 28, and Mark Matula, 29, have been busy transforming their new venture in the South Burnett after recently opening a cafe as part of their extensive renovation of the Copper Country Motor Inn in Nanango.

The pair, who relocated to the region five months ago, have been documenting their journey online, with one of their TikTok videos quickly going viral.

Their latest project in the motor-inn, a cafe, opened its doors just four days ago.

While Ms Mengual runs the cafe, Mr Matula is often seen chasing after their energetic 15-month-old son between renovation projects.

“We’ve re-done the flooring, repainted the walls, hung artwork, and finished the countertop,” Ms Mengual said.

“It’s still a work in progress, we’re not done yet”.

The couple dedicated one full day a week for the past three months to complete the cafe renovations.

Alex Mengual, Mark Matula, and their son Matteo at the Copper Country Motor Inn shortly after arriving.

Mr Matula, whose background is in landscaping and cabinet making, took on many of the tasks himself, learning new skills along the way with the help of YouTube tutorials.

The couple’s journey into motel ownership was unexpected. Five days after their wedding, they moved to manage a motel on New South Wales’ south coast, sparking a passion for the hospitality industry.

When the lease expired, they began searching for their own establishment, leading them to Nanango’s Copper Country Motor Inn, which boasts 15 rooms, an outdoor pool, and a five-acre vineyard.

Copper Country Motor Inn, Nanango.

Since arriving, the couple have made big plans for the property. In addition to the cafe, they are gearing up for a complete renovation of the motel rooms and hope to cater to weddings and events.

“We’ve already had at least six inquiries about weddings,” Ms Mengual said.

Evie Woollard, who works in the cafe at the Copper Country Motor Inn, said she’s been enjoying her first few days at her new job.

Their next major renovation will focus on the bar, and they are eager to give the outdoor garden a facelift as well.

Ms Mengual, who has a background in event co-ordination, is also on the lookout for a chef as she hopes to open a bistro in the near future.

Despite the challenges of balancing a growing business and raising a toddler, the couple is enjoying their new life in the South Burnett.

“The weather is good, the people are super friendly,” Mr Matula said.

Their son, Matteo, who started walking shortly after they arrived, keeps them on their toes, as he’s now attempting to climb cabinets and pull out drawers.

“It was four months ago he started walking … it’s just going to get worse from here,” Mr Matula said, laughing.

Copper Country Motor Inn cafe.

In the lead up to opening the cafe on Thursday, Ms Mengual said she was a little anxious that no one would show up but after four days she said she’s been happy with the reception and has already had repeat customers.

The couple has also hired three staff members and were overwhelmed with applicants.

“I probably got about 60 resumes; it was pretty crazy,” Ms Mengual said.

“Eventually I got three that I thought were really good”.

The cafe currently operates Thursday to Sunday from 7am to 2pm, with plans to expand to a seven-day-a-week schedule in the future.