Toowoomba cafe art exhibition business Banter listed for sale by Stephen Payton

The owner of a popular cafe in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD has opened up about his shock decision to sell the business. Find out why here.

Stephen Payton is selling Banter Coffee Kitchen to pursue a career in teaching. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Change is coming for a busy cafe in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD with the owner now revealing the reason behind listing the successful venture for sale.

Stephen Payton first opened Banter Coffee Kitchen in 2019 after he ran the espresso bar at the site’s predecessor Bunker Records.

Stephen Payton is selling Banter Coffee Kitchen to pursue a career in teaching. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The venue has also served as an exhibition for homegrown artists over the years with murals featured on the front of the building every six to eight weeks through the curation of the commission-free Brouhaha Gallery.

Mr Payton said the business has “local affability” at its core and is “considered Toowoomba’s cultural bedrock”.

Now after four years of serving the community, the business is for sale due to a major career change for the owner.

Also a qualified teacher, Mr Payton is set to enter the education sector to teach history to high school students.

Stephen Payton is selling Banter Coffee Kitchen to pursue a career in teaching. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“The decision to sell is a celebration of creating something that has done everything I could have hoped for with a committed following,” Mr Payton said.

“Personally the goal was always to establish something authentic that was made up of all the things I love about coffee shops around the world.”

Mr Payton said while he would miss seeing the hundreds of faces who visited the cafe, the public would continue to see him around.

He said he would continue to deliver various initiatives within the arts such as hosting monthly film screenings through Nomad Pictures and of course remain a loyal Banter customer.

“(I’m) forever grateful for the never-ending support and love from the Toowoomba community,” Mr Payton said.

Stephen Payton is selling Banter Coffee Kitchen to pursue a career in teaching. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The asking price for the business is $150,000 and includes the lease assignment of the 38sq m interior space and al fresco dining area outside.

All equipment, stock and point-of-sales software, as well as the website, social media assets and branding will also be included in the walk-in deal.

Staffing arrangements post-sale were not confirmed.