Michael’s Cafe opens at the corner of Cunningham and Patrick Streets in Dalby

An exciting American diner combined with an Australian cafe has opened in the heart of Dalby, with its owner and head chef bringing his international expertise to the kitchen.

A quirky and relaxing cafe has opened along Dalby’s main drag, and is bringing traditional breakfast specials with an American influence to town.

Michael’s cafe opened on the corner of Patrick and Cunningham Streets over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, and had quite the warm welcome from locals.

Owner and chef Michael Sarkozy said they were able to start the new venture in Dalby after some renovations and hard work.

Employees Piper Sarkozy, Michael Sarkozy, Jessica Slater, and Chantelle Seymour-Smith. Picture: Sam Turner

“We opened Friday and it was good, Saturday was good, Sunday was good, and Monday was awesome,” Mr Sarkozy said.

“It just got better and better.”

Mr Sarkozy has more than four decades’ experience as a chef, with stints in Brisbane and America, notably at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee.

“I was the banquet chef there, which was the biggest holiday park in the Northern Hemisphere,” he said.

“The Choo Choo has three hotel motels on the property, a dining room, diner, and three function rooms, where we would do weddings back to back.”

The quirky aesthetic of Michael's Cafe in Dalby. Picture: Sam Turner

After another seven years in the States, Mr Sarkozy returned to Australia and worked until turning his sights to the cafe along Cunningham Street.

“I found this place and I thought to myself, ‘this place is worth reopening’,” he said.

After several months renovating he opened the shop with his daughter Shianne Sarkozy and three other employees, and has served up affordable and delicious meals since.

When asked about the cafe’s inspiration in terms of decor, Mr Sarkozy said nothing matches in the business, and that’s why he loved it.

“Some coffee shops around Australia are very sterile, with everything being the same,” he said.

“But here, nothing matches, not even the plates, and I like it that way.

“It’s quirky and relaxing, and we have some old bits and pieces around.”

Michael’s Cafe is open from 7.30am — 2.30pm seven days a week.

Originally published as Michael’s Cafe opens at the corner of Cunningham and Patrick Streets in Dalby