Nanango Coffee Co van enters new, multicultural era

Meet the new owner of the iconic Nanango Coffee Co van as she reveals her plans to evolve the business.

The iconic Nanango Coffee CO van is entering an exciting phase under new ownership, set to evolve into a multicultural vendor while maintaining its commitment to community support.

The famous Nanango Coffee Co van has begun a new era, with its new owners passionate to transform into it a multicultural vendor, while continuing to give back to the community.

Previous owner Larissa Wicks started the Nanango Coffee Van in 2020 after owning several hospitality businesses in the area, and has sold the van to Nanango mother and business owner Sharmaine Perry.

Mrs Wicks said she was retiring from hospitality after her recent lupus diagnosis.

“I have always had a passion for coffee, but it is a lot to manage,” Mrs Wicks said.

“I’m not always well enough for the commitment needed for hospitality, sometimes working seven days per week is now too much.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my children and kicking into early retirement,” she said.

New owner Mrs Perry said she was excited to take on the coffee van and develop her food truck business, Whanau Kai, to serve traditional Maori and Kiwi cuisine across the Burnett.

“Myself, my husband and five children moved to Nanango in 2001 from the Sunshine Coast and have been very involved with the community ever since,” Mrs Perry said.

New owner Sharmaine Perry said she was very excited to take on the coffee van and develop her food truck business, Whanau Kai, to serve traditional Maori and Kiwi cuisine across the Burnett.

“We have purchased the coffee van because sometimes lugging a big food truck around, when at some events people just want coffee, is awkward.

“I’m excited to keep building my business and becoming more familiar around the areas we’re working,” she said.

Mrs Wicks began donating $1 from each coffee to the club or organisation she was working at, a tradition Mrs Perry intends to carry on.

Mrs Perry said she loved the concept of giving back to the organisation holding the event.

“Whether it be the show society or a sports club, we will also be giving $1 from every cup back to the organisation like Larissa did,” Mrs Perry said.

Beach bash nightmare: How horror crash forever changed teens’ lives

“We hope to introduce sandwiches, poppers and snacks to the coffee van also.

Sharmaine Perry is excited to evolve the menu with sandwiches, cakes and poppers.

“Starting a new business venture is always a challenge, but we are hoping the community will get behind us,” she said.

Walk-in: Jobs that pay $100k in your own patch of paradise

Mrs Wicks said she was filled with confidence handing her beloved van to Mrs Perry.

“Sharmaine is very clever in buying out her competition and being able to have this opportunity, I think she‘ll be quite successful.

“I wish her the very best,” she said.