Humdrum Espresso pop up shop announces closure
The owners of a popular Eumundi business devastated by a destructive fire have slammed the Sunshine Coast Council, as a heartbreaking decision on the future of the business is announced.
Sunshine Coast
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A nearly two-year fight between the Sunshine Coast Council and the owners of the charred former home of a popular Eumundi cafe has resulted in a devastating announcement by the cafe owners.
Humdrum Espresso, which was based at 100 Memorial Drive, Eumundi until the building was destroyed in an electrical fire in January, announced their pop-up shop would close its doors by November.
The news followed the realisation it was unlikely their old building would be rebuilt anytime soon.
It is believed the fire started with a faulty air-conditioning unit and led to the roof collapsing, reportedly causing more than $600,000 in damage.
The business was first running out of a caravan in the rear car park of the former building, and then moved into a space at the nearby Imperial Hotel.
But after 10 months of waiting, co-owner Marinus Jansen revealed the business would close its pop-up shop.
Mr Jensen said it came amid a bitter dispute between the owners of Humdrum Espresso’s former building and the Sunshine Coast Council over a driveway.
He said council issued Humdrum’s landlord a show cause notice after a concrete driveway that drained directly into stormwater rather than onto the street was built.
Mr Jansen said he was told council would not issue a demolition permit or approve a new building until the issue was resolved.
“This argument has gone on for ... two years in January (2023),” he said.
Between this and issues with staff morale, the team made the difficult decision to close down the pop-up shop.
“We’re basically losing money sitting there waiting ... it’s a lost cause” he said.
Mr Jansen condemned the Sunshine Coast Council for their reluctance to issue a demolition permit or to engage their planning department, saying it was an “insult” to the community.
Despite the difficulties, he said he was focused on the positive effect Humdrum left on the community.
News of the pop-up closing devastated loyal customers, who took to social media to express how much they would miss the business.
Tilana Qually said it was her favourite place to get coffee, and it always had “such a good vibe and great coffee”.
Vanessa Pink said the news was “a little heartbreaking” and wished Mr Jansen well in the future.
Ken Hodges said he hoped the business would “rise again like a phoenix from the ashes”.
Mr Jansen said the support was “beautiful” and a “sign of a strong community”.
Humdrum staff will be relocated to Mr Jansen’s other business, Noosa-based cafe Padre Coffee.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said council had no objection to the demolition of the former Humdrum Espresso building
“The redevelopment of the site is subject to a current development application to establish a Food & Drink Outlet,” they said.
“This application is under assessment by Council and at this time waiting for the applicant to address outstanding assessment issues.”
The Humdrum Espresso pop-up shop will officially close after October 28.
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