The Happy Place cements itself as much loved Strand cafe, with second location opened in the city

A Townsville ocean-view cafe are celebrating their success as they open a second location in the city, with the owner sharing the heartfelt reason he started in the hospitality business.

Sunny Chandel, owner Happy Place CafŽ. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A Townsville ocean-view cafe are celebrating their success as they open a second location in the city, with the owner sharing the heartfelt reason he started in the hospitality business.

With menu items including pancake stacks, fruit waffles, smashed avo and the classic eggs benedict, Happy Place Cafe along The Strand has been a fixture and much-loved spot for locals and tourists alike for many years, with owner Sunny Chandal saying the venture came at a pivotal moment in his life.

The cafe, which serves a menu of all-day breakfast and lunch items, has a variety of smoothies, juices, wraps and ‘Happy Energy Bowls’.

Having previously worked in mining Mr Chandal decided on a major career change when his son was born.

On the menu at Happy Place Cafe. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“My son was born with a hole in his heart so it was more about a career change because my worry was if something ever goes wrong with him, I wouldn’t be there and I would regret that for the rest of my life,” he said.

“In 2016, when the mining downturn happened and everyone was either getting made redundant or leaving their jobs I decided **** it, I’m just going to take the plunge.”

Opening in 2016 as a franchise, Mr Chandal decided 12 months in he wanted to take a different approach.

With his wife working in medicine, Mr Chandal said they decided to promote healthy food and “actually mean it”.

On the menu at Happy Place Cafe. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For the first 12 months the cafe kept running but with no name. After consulting with marketing experts in Townsville, one asked him to describe how the cafe made him and his customers feel.

“I said it just makes people feel happy, so she said why not call it Happy Place,” Mr Chandal said.

“Because that’s what it’s all about and we want to put a smile on people’s faces.”

On the menu at Happy Place Cafe. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A new, second Happy Place location has recently opened on Flinders Street, serving as a stop for coffee and a quick bite.

“It’s a different style of clientele in terms of grab and go food and coffees,” Mr Chandal said.

“Compared to The Strand which is a sit down, enjoy the view type of place,” he said.

Happy Place Cafe at 62 The Strand and the new 445 Flinders Street location are open is Monday to Sunday from 6am to 3pm.
For more information visit the Happy Place Cafe Townsville on Facebook.

Originally published as The Happy Place cements itself as much loved Strand cafe, with second location opened in the city