Concierge helps drivers with their coffee orders

Need a morning coffee hit while heading into the city but don’t want to get out of your car? Why not let a coffee concierge take your order for you.

Merlo Coffee concierge Rachel Owen takes orders from drivers at the store in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Jamie Hanson

GRABBING a drive-through coffee on the morning commute into the city has become a little bit posher with the introduction of what is believed to be Brisbane’s first dedicated coffee concierge.

Merlo Coffee has introduced the service in the driveway of its James St store in Fortitude Valley.

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Between 6-11am Monday to Friday customers are able to drive in and place their order with a coffee concierge.

Concierge Rachel Owen takes coffee orders from drivers at Merlo Coffee’s store in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Jamie Hanson

Merlo Coffee founder Dean Merlo believes the service is the first of its kind in Australia and said it was created for time-poor caffeine fans craving an early morning fix.

“It reminds me of those great days of full service petrol stations,” he said.

“The coffee concierge approaches the vehicle, takes your order and then it is hand-delivered through your car window.

“Everyone knows it is hard to beat a fresh hot coffee on the way to work in the morning but it tastes even better when you don’t have to battle for a car park or stand in line to get it.”

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Concierge Rachel Owen said she was able to provide “an old fashioned style of personal service” which was how it differed from going through a normal drive-through.

“I get the chance to have a chat with the customers,” Miss Owen said.

“Even though it’s meant to be a fast ‘get in and get out’ process I think customers enjoy having a chat and most keep their windows wound down.”

Dean Merlo, founder of Merlo Coffee. Picture: Peter Wallis

Miss Owen, a barista in training, said she could also recommend the perfect brew to get your day underway.

“We have lots of different coffee blends, some that are stronger than others,” she said.

“Most people know what coffee they want but if someone is not too sure or is curious I can definitely recommend a coffee blend for them.

“I often ask if they would like to try the bean of the month; it’s a good way to try something new.”

Mr Merlo said customers could also order their weekly bag of coffee beans from the concierge.

“We are still offering our customers personal service and advice, but in an even more convenient way,” he said.

Miss Owen said there had been a steady increase in customers since the concierge service started a couple weeks ago.