Gold Coast dining: New Runaway Bay cafe with a sweet backstory opens
This new Gold Coast cafe is full of delightful eats and treats, but it’s its backstory that will make you smile. Check out this northern suburb’s new cafe.
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Working in close quarters with your family members might sound like a nightmare for some but it’s a dream come true for the squad behind this new Runaway Bay cafe.
Pod6 Coffee is owned and operated by the Radmilovic family, whose vision to open their own hospitality venture came to fruition this month.
“My parents have had their life long dream of opening up a cafe,” daughter Marija Radmilovic explains.
“It’s mostly so that the whole family stays together, works together, in a big family run business, so they can pass it down for generations to come.”
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The team had the skills to make it happen, too: tata Zika has been a builder for 30 years, and mama Radmila has always had a passion for baking.
“We had him (Zika) in there measuring things and helping with the fit out,” Marija says.
“My mum’s passion is baking. My mum bakes all of the cakes, every day we have different treats in our cake cabinet.
“My big sister, her partner is really into coffee. He owned a coffee business beforehand. He’s the one that’s a barista and everyone knows his face and his beard.
“My sister’s partner’s brother is in the back (in the kitchen) as well.
“It’s mostly run by all of us, we all come into play.”
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The menu reflects Marija’s family heritage with a subtle Serbian influence, as well as their partiality for vegetarian food.
“We’ve got the side where it’s Serbian influenced,” Marija says.
“We have cevapi which is like a skinless sausage, and my dad’s secret recipe burger patties. They are so popular, everyone seems to love them.
“Because I’m vego and my sister’s vegan gluten free, we have a lot of vegan and gluten free options.
“One of our favourites is vegan and gluten free lasagne. People ask ‘How do you do that?’ or think it might not taste good, but my mum makes the bechamel sauce creamy and meaty texture. It’s amazing.
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“We’re about to renew our menu for spring, we’re thinking fresher options like bringing in buddha bowls and more smoothie bowl options and big salads.”
The food isn’t the only thing converting customers, either — Marija says the locally-sourced coffee blend has been surprising traditionally non-coffee sippers.
“We use Paradox Coffee from Surfers Paradise. It’s a specialty coffee, we’re one of the only on the Gold Coast that does organic blend,” Marija says.
“A lot of people say they don’t really like coffee, and then they change their mind. It’s all about the coffee and the vegan food, everyone’s trying new things when they come in.”
The cozy interior with timber furnishings and lots of indoor plants adds to the homeliness of Pod6.
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“My mum loves gardening. The plants sit on the tables and around the shop everywhere,” Marija says.
Marija’s pride in her parents’ achievement is palpable — there’s definitely no reluctancy from her to help make the cafe a success.
“The cafe is right across the road from our house. Everything fell into place,” she says.
“I love being with my sister every day.”
Pod6 Coffee is open from 7am Tuesday to Saturday and from 8am Sunday at 9/465 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay
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