First look inside: New ‘ground’ breaking cafe concept launches

The purpose of the innovative concept is to offer fresh, healthy food and drive tourism. Here’s a sneak peek at the new cafe.

Bikeline owner Marcel Govers recently opened his new business cafe de Velo. Picture: Nev Madsen.

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.

“When I bought the bike shop I straight away knew I wanted to be able to do more but I just didn’t have the space available in the bike shop alone,” Mr Govers said.

“It was the only opportunity we were probably going to get to expand next door so when the opportunity came up we wanted to do it straight away.”

NEW BREW: Bikeline owner Marcel Govers has opened Cafe de Velo. The business owner hopes the health-driven cafe will serve as a hotspot for people who want to live a fit and healthy lifestyle and drive the tourism industry with its new bike hire services. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Knocking down the wall between the two shops on Railway St, the new space which was previously the home of Homegrown Health, has been transformed into an industrial chic styled cafe.

“It’s going to be a healthy cafe where people can get good, nutritious food after going for a bike ride, run or some exercise,” Mr Govers said.

“Our food will be made in house and will appeal to people that want to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.”

Featuring a full breakfast and lunch menu, the cafe will also be serving coffee, tea, cakes as well as fresh smoothies and juices.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available along with takeaway meals for dinner.

NEW BREW: Bikeline owner Marcel Govers has opened Cafe de Velo. The business owner hopes the health-driven cafe will serve as a hotspot for people who want to live a fit and healthy lifestyle and drive the tourism industry with its new bike hire services. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Undergoing a three-month-long renovation, the business owner said the space had experienced big changes.

From the addition of windows overlooking the street to incorporating corrugated iron and up-cycled wooden doors.

The original concrete and wooden floors were kept with a polish and paint job giving it new life.

A doorway was also placed between the two stores creating easy access.

NEW BREW: Bikeline owner Marcel Govers has opened Cafe de Velo. The business owner hopes the health-driven cafe will serve as a hotspot for people who want to live a fit and healthy lifestyle and drive the tourism industry with its new bike hire services. Picture: Nev Madsen.

It comes after the store recently launched its new bike hire and guided tour services for tourists visiting the region to enjoy.

“Tourism was an area we definitely wanted to develop and with the new services we’re offering, that’s really starting to take shape,” Mr Govers said.

“Hire a bike and grab a picnic basket from the cafe or even do a guided tour … it’s an experience that’s perfect for the Carnival of Flowers and bookings are already coming in.”

With a current fleet of 15 e-bikes, Mr Govers said more bikes will arrive in the coming weeks.

Cafe de Velo at 11-13 Railway St will be open weekdays from 6.30am to 5.30pm and weekends from 7am to 3pm.