Sunshine Coast hinterland cafe The Barn on Flaxton to remain open after lease extended

Boxes were packed and staff at a Sunshine Coast hinterland cafe informed they were days from closure when an outpouring of community support changed everything.

Over the course of two days owners of a popular Sunshine Coast hinterland cafe went from saying emotional goodbyes to customers and staff to planning for the future.

The Barn on Flaxton was days from closure as their lease was due to expire before an outpouring of community support.

Owners Jason and Ange Bowen and Danielle Birks were “overwhelmed” by the support from customers and residents after they announced the Flaxton Dr cafe would close on Friday, June 10, 2022, because they could not negotiate a new lease.

Within 24 hours of making the announcement Ms Bowen said residents were rallying outside in support of the cafe.

Some residents arrived with trucks and boxes to help pack while she said others were brainstorming ideas on other locations for the business.

Demi Coates, Ange Bowen, Molly Cook and Olivia Claridge were relieved The Barn on Flaxton could stay open. Photo: Patrick Woods.

She said on the afternoon of Monday, June 6, 2022, an agreement was struck with their landlords to renew the existing lease.

Ms Bowen said there were plenty of tears as they said goodbye to customers and broke the news to their 21 staff members about the closure.

“So we started packing, saying goodbye to our staff and our customers, there were some tears,” she said.

Abigail Coomber and Olivia Claridge were all smiles after it was confirmed the cafe would remain open. Photo: Patrick Woods.

Ms Bowen said they were “so happy” they could negotiate a new lease which would allow them to stay for six years.

“We just want to thank the community, we were absolutely overwhelmed with the support that people were practically trying to help us,” she said.

“They were here having meetings trying to work out how to save us

“We have a new appreciation and value for our community.

“We always loved them but now we value them so much more.”

Olivia Claridge, Abigail Coomber, Molly Cook, Ange and Jason Bowen, Danielle Birks and Demi Coates pictured at The Barn on Flaxton. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The former Caboolture police officers left the force three years ago to open the cafe.

Since then Ms Bowen’s sister-in-law Danielle Birks had also become a part-owner.

Ms Bowen described it as her “dream job”.

Over the years they have repainted the cafe, extended the patio area for pets, renovated the kitchen and changed the menu.

She said they took pride in their charity work and support for the community, including local produce.

Popular cafe The Barn on Flaxton was days away from shutting for good before community support helped the operators strike a new lease deal with landlords to remain open. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“Saying goodbye to our staff and customers, who are all so special, was really hard,” Ms Bowen said.

“We do a lot of work for charities and the community, it’s about more than a cup of coffee here.”

Ms Bowen thanked residents for their support and said they were in tears over some of the comments and feedback.

The landlords were also approached for comment.