New businesses in Toowoomba 2021: Studio Pilates, General Pants, Cafe de Velo, Whisky Time Tattoo, Bodega
It’s been a massive year Toowoomba businesses, between the pandemic and constant changes in restrictions. Here is a list of businesses that defied the odds to open during the pandemic.
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If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught Toowoomba its that nothing will stop the business scene from flourishing.
It’s been an incredibly difficult two years for business owners and operators, with many businesses forced to close, subject to lockdowns and reduced foot traffic.
Here is a list of local businesses who defied the odds, battling lockdowns and the pandemic, to open their doors in 2021:
Studio Pilates
A “one-of-a-kind” new pilates studio opened its doors to Toowoomba in April, and promised to be a “luxurious” experience for all who attend.
Needless to say it delivered on that promise, breaking the world record for the total number of registered customers while still 24 hours out from their opening day.
Fit Former
Breaking the cycle of exercise boredom can be tricky, but a new studio offering an innovative way to train means there’s never been a more exciting way to sweat it out.
After 15 years of working in the fitness industry, Candy Rice has combined her two favourite work out styles – HIIT (high intensity interval training) and reformer pilates, to create new business Fit Former by Candy Browne.
Whisky Time
Inspired by his dad who was a tattooist himself, one local who did his first tattoo at the age of six, started his own business.
After working in the industry for more than 20 years, 17 of which he has spent in Toowoomba, Ben Smith decided to open his very own store – Whisky Time Tattoo.
Bodega
The brainchild of a former Toowoomba CBD Asian restaurant opened up his new project – a bar aimed at promoting the city’s live music scene.
Bodega at Walton Stores hosts live bands several nights a week and offer boutique beers and Latin-inspired liquor options for patrons.
Kokonut Bar and Cafe
One step inside Toowoomba’s newest hotspot will make you feel like you’re on a tropical holiday.
With almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and after running his own food ventures since 2014, founder Jason Van Hunnik, 40, sought to find the perfect site and fell in love with the garden city.
Windmill Bakery
Galaxy, Oreo, salted caramel and jam lamington are just some of the mouth-watering flavours available at Toowoomba’s newest bakery.
The first store opened in Kingaroy about 18 months ago, followed by a site in Hervey Bay and now Windmill Bakery has made its mark on Toowoomba.
Brooklyn Donuts and Coffee Co
“Doughnut” hesitate in rushing to Toowoomba’s brightest new store.
Brooklyn Donuts and Coffee Co opened its doors for the first time in Toowoomba in August, and co-owner Adam Sharvell said the first day had been one of their most successful.
Catalog Clothing
An inclusive, affordable new clothing store opened its doors at Grand Central in July, boasting a unique range designed for all ages.
Catalog stocks everything from dresses, tops. pants, skirts – and everything is designed and selected with the customer in mind.
Flamingle Cafe
It was a dream of Anne Kerr’s that had been brewing for some time and this year her brand new cafe came to fruition.
The owner of a charity and disability support business found a base for her two existing organisations as well as her new venture – The Flamingle Cafe, managed by her daughter Taylor Kerr.
General Pants
One of the newest additions to the shopping centre, the fashion store opened in the first week of November next door to Myer on Level 2.
Grand Central centre manager Claire Torkington said the addition was a positive one for the shopping centre.
Three Sisters Bridal
Toowoomba’s newest bridal store opened its doors in October, giving women access to the latest handmade gowns from Australian and New Zealand designers.
Three Sisters Bridal Boutique is the work of Toowoomba entrepreneur Lizzi Meyer, her sister Rachel O’Neill and her sister-in-law Kate Meyer.
Proof BBQ and Booze
A new Toowoomba CBD venue with a focus on slow-cooked brisket and boutique spirits launched in September, in the latest boost to the city centre’s revitalisation.
Proof BBQ and Booze is an American-style restaurant and bar, and is the brainchild of Ryan Lane, who already has a similar venue in Brisbane.
Mouse Proof Brewery
Mouse Proof Brewery has set up shop in Toowoomba, and offers a sustainable approach to the beer you love.
Head brewer Professor John Bennett co-founded the business with Ned Skehan, Mal Campbell, David West, Job King and Dr Stirling Roberton.
The Finch
When Toowoomba cafe The Finch announced it would welcome diners into a second space, the anticipation was high across the region.
The Finch co-owners Dan and Edwina Farquhar said since opening the doors to their new Margaret St venue they had received a positive response from customers.
Cafe de Velo
Patrons of a new cafe will be treated to more than delicious food, with fresh and healthy ingredients a focus for the new hotspot’s menu.
When Marcel Govers first opened his Toowoomba business Bikeline, he had a dream to create a hub for riders and lovers of fitness and develop an innovative tourism experience.
And now the passionate business owner has done just that and recently opened his new venture – Cafe de Velo.
Chaise and Co
She is one of Toowoomba’s youngest business owners to have gone from strength-to-strength with the launch of her new rebranded salon Chaise and Co.
It’s the result of years of hard work and 26-year-old Chaise Damschke chasing her dream since she was an apprentice at the age of 15.
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