Cricketer John Hastings pulls up stumps to open Mr Frankie cafe in Frankston South
Howzat! A cafe opened by former Aussie paceman John Hastings is hitting Frankston South’s hospitality scene for six — and unlike most establishments opened by ex-athletes, there isn’t a scrap of sports memorabilia in sight.
South East
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John Hastings is swapping the baggy green for coffee beans.
The former Test cricketer last week opened a cafe in Frankston South with wife Briannan.
“We were slammed in the first week,” Hastings said.
“It was so busy we had to close for a day to restock!”
The project has been a long time coming for the couple and business partners Paula and Tom Walker.
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“It was always on the agenda when I retired,” Hastings said.
“We moved to Frankston South five years ago and I guess we wanted to bring a little slice of inner Melbourne with us.”
But ticking that box was harder than he imagined.
“It’s a lot of work. We’re here from 6am to 7pm,” Hastings said.
The Mr Frankie fitout was custom-built in a former newsagency on Norman Ave.
“It had been vacant for 18 months. There was nothing there. No gas, no power, no grease trap, nothing. It was a long build,” he said.
The result is a pastel-hued brunch spot without a scrap of sports memorabilia.
“I’m helping out with some (cricket) publicity but this is very much Bri’s scene,” Hastings said.
Chef Casey Norman (Cumulus Inc, Hotel Brighton, The Greville) is on the pans.
“We were lucky to get her,” Hastings said. “She moved to Carrum and was looking for something close to home.”
The rest of the staff also live nearby, most within walking distance.
“Our customers are locals too,” Hastings said.
“One of the nicest things about opening is having people tell us that they had been wanting something like this for ages.”
The venue was granted a liquor licence by Frankston Council on Monday night.
Councillors gave the green light cafe on the condition that its number of patrons was capped at a maximum of 29 at any one time.
Resident Maureen Griffin said she feared the cafe would put increased pressure on limited parking in the area and impact negatively on nearby businesses.
“If parking is not available local residents will take their custom elsewhere,” she said.
Frankston councillor Steve Toms said it was essential to support small business and urged colleagues to get behind the cafe.
But councillor Brian Cunial said the issue of carparking was critical with only 34 spaces near Mr Hastings’ cafe.
“Carparking is a concern — if we sort it out, no problem,” Cr Cunial said.
Mr Hastings said he planned to meet the council to discuss parking.
“We really want to look after locals,” he said.
Mr Frankie is at 48 Norman Ave, Frankston South.