Magnetic Island’s Scallywags Cafe owners to close popular business in mid-October
After captivating tastebuds on Magnetic Island for the past eight years, the owners of a popular cafe are closing and selling their business. See what will happen next.
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Changes are imminent for the popular Magnetic Island cafe Scallywags, with its long-term owners announcing they are selling the business, which officially closes on October 15.
Renowned for serving delicious healthy meals and coffees for breakfast and lunch in a fun-filled, family-friendly atmosphere, Scallywags was founded in 2017 after Pete and Kristal Stafford exhausted their savings, converting part of their residential property into a cafe.
Mr Stafford had worked as a cook throughout Europe before the couple began operating a vegetarian food truck called The Veggie Galley on the festival circuit.
Their travels eventually led them to the “inviting community” of Magnetic Island.
“We had one young child at that time, and it seemed like a great place to raise a family. (We) saw a great opportunity with the type of food and style that we have that didn’t exist on the island at that moment, and went for it,” Mr Stafford said.
“Now we have two kids, and it’s a big part of the reason why we’ve decided to redirect our lifestyle and focus a little more on family and friends.
“It’s very encompassing running a seven-day-a-week business, so just decided it’s enough at this stage of our life and wanted to redirect … we have another property on the island of which we’re going to just live a little more humble life … with a different focus centred on family, friends and all the other island treasures and beauties that exist here.”
Still unsure what careers they would pursue next, the couple said they were presently negotiating the sale of the business, which was anticipated to reopen under new ownership in March 2025.
Mrs Stafford said they traditionally had a large break during the quiet summer period, so it would not come as a shock for their staff to be out of work during this period.
The island’s close-knit community was saddened by the departure announcement but was supportive of the decision to redirect their lifestyle.
“Most people see how hard we work, and they’re really happy for us,” Mrs Stafford said.
The couple was grateful for the “endless support” they had received from the community throughout their eight years of trade, including local businesses, tradies, suppliers, and hundreds of workers.
“It’s been quite overwhelming and certainly very encouraging to allow us to keep going for as long as we have,” she said.
To keep tabs on Scallywags Cafe, visit their page on Facebook.
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Originally published as Magnetic Island’s Scallywags Cafe owners to close popular business in mid-October
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