Criminal Coffee owner opens Walter’s Diner sandwich bar at Maroochydore

Gourmet sandwiches and classic milkshakes are on offer as the owner of Criminal Coffee opens his fifth Sunshine Coast business in two years.

A business owner who started his hospitality career at McDonalds has opened his fifth business, a 1950s-style gourmet sandwich bar at Maroochydore.

The Simco Group owner Danny Simmonds opened Walter’s Diner at Ann Maree Cl, Maroochydore, where he says they will specialise in sandwiches, hotdogs and classic milkshakes.

His Criminal Coffee and Toast Office venues are well known for toasted sandwiches and Mr Simmonds hopes Walter’s Diner will be just as popular.

He said the secret to a good sandwich was their handmade shokupan bread, a Japanese white milk loaf baked in house.

“We want to specialise in this, it’s not just a sandwich,” Mr Simmonds said.

Criminal Coffee owner Danny Simmonds has opened a 1950s-style venue Walter's Diner at Maroochydore. Picture: Tegan Annett

“If you come here for a sandwich you’re going to know it’s a Walter’s sandwich.”

Mr Simmonds purchased the 1960s-built shop in November, 2021, with the aim to open a successful business at the location which he said was a milk bar in the 70s.

With cost of living front of mind for many families Mr Simmonds described the menu as “fast, friendly and affordable” with nothing over $15.

“I still think there’s going to be a hangover to this pandemic,” he said.

“I think our pockets are going to hurt, but people are still going to want to come out and enjoy time with family and friends during these trying times and this is going to be essential to that.”

Mr Simmonds, 33, said the business was inspired after many years of travelling with wife Rachel.

But the Covid-19 pandemic changed their travel plans and instead they have focused on creating successful businesses.

“We’re so energetic and driven, I can’t keep still for long so we’re using all of that energy to take our ideas into fruition,” Mr Simmonds said.

“Five venues in two years is a lot but it’s because of the team I have built, it’s a super star team and I couldn’t do it without them.”

Mr Simmonds said the key to success in hospitality was knowing the industry well.

“You have to be born in the sink,” he said.

“I started cleaning McDonalds toilets.

“I’ve made 100 mistakes, done the long nights and put in the hard yards.”

Walter’s Diner opened on Saturday and operates seven days a week from 6am to 4pm.

The business name was inspired by a close family friend.