Meet 20 of Toowoomba’s top cafe owners: The Finch, Aromas, Jilly’s Cafe
They may be crucial to the start of your busy day, but do you actually know the faces behind these popular cafes? Meet the people running 20 of your favourite spots.
Toowoomba
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The Toowoomba district is filled with foodies, coffee lovers, morning walkers and social groups, all looking for a place to meet, relax and enjoy the day.
The Chronicle has put together a list of 20 people, though of course there are many more, who help us start the day right.
1. Jen Shaw – Emerge
In 2016, Jen Shaw founded Emerge, a cafe in Toowoomba’s CBD, with the goal of carrying on her grandmother’s legacy of believing in the potential for anyone to turn their life around, no matter the situation.
The venue provides life skills, mentorship, opportunities for workplace training, and a safe spot for disengaged and at-risk youth to rise above.
2. Lisa and Mark Bentley – Jilly’s Cafe
Lisa and Mark Bently took over the popular Toowoomba CBD cafe in 2017, and in a recent post to their Facebook celebrating the five year anniversary, the couple have thanked their customers and staff.
Mr Bently said the pair wanted to have the opportunity to do something together, work closely together and help something grow.
The venue has remained one of the region’s favourite cafes, having been crowned multiple times.
3. Douglas Family – Cafe Valetta
Ron and Merle Douglas purchased the Valetta property in 1972, and after a major restoration, opened Cafe Valetta in 2004. Prior to the cafe, it was an antiques gallery.
The venue has been a popular brunch venue for residents and travellers alike, and continues to be operated by the Douglas family.
4. Tenzin Norbu and Sara Poolsirisook – Cooper Bench
Opened in 2019, Tenzin Norbu and wife Sara Poolsirisook created Copper Bench to support local, give back to the community and protect the environment where possible.
Mr Norbu used biodegradable, environmentally-friendly products where possible, and foods were made in-hour and sourced locally where they could. The pair have also recently opened their new business Pow Bao.
5. Isabella and Lucy Burke – Ortem
Mother and daughter duo Isabella and Lucy Burke purchased popular Toowoomba Cafe Ortem about four years ago, from former owners Dan Stewart and Peter Astbury.
Mum Lucy said the venue was right up their alley, and was a family task, with her husband Michael also involved.
“We both love the hospitality sector, and we absolutely love coffee, and I’m a big foodie, so it was perfect,” she said.
6. Marcel Govers – Cafe de Velo
Marcel Govers opened Cafe de Velo in 2021, adjoined to his already established Bikeline, in the hopes of creating a hub for riders and lovers of fitness, and develop an innovative tourism experience.
“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 told The Chronicle in 2021.
The cafe operates next to Bikeline on Toowoomba’s Railway Street.
7. Jason Van Hunnik – Kokonut Cafe and Bar
With almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jason Van Hunnik opened Toowoomba’s Kokonut Bar and Cafe late last year. Mr Van Hunnik has run his own food ventures since 2014, with his separate company Van Hunnik Hospitality and Events.
He fell in love with the Garden City, and wanted to create a trendy venue that allowed guests to explore different flavours.
The cafe is located at the Toowoomba Plaza on Ruthven Street.
8. Colin and Kaye Edwards – The Chocolate Cottage
The Chocolate Cottage was opened in 1997 by married couple Colin and Kaye Edwards.
The couple transformed the 1877 original Highfields school house to set their cafe up overlooking the Toowoomba Range, with thousands passing through each year.
On their website, Kaye and Colin said the “idea was to create a haven from the stresses of the outside world, somewhere to immerse yourself in”.
10. Julie Forster – Urth Cafe and Co
A family-run business, owner Julie Forster said Urth Cafe and Co in Toowoomba’s CBD has grown since its conception in 2014.
“I always wanted to open a cafe, and we had the catering business and wanted to do something a little different,” Julie said.
“We’re still getting through Covid and flood, but we try to keep locals interested, and their support means the world.”
9. Chrissy Hodgen and Bernadette Morrow – Two Birds Cafe and Catering
Chrissy Hodgen originally owned a cafe in 1981, called Chrissy’s Gourmet. With marriage and children, came a new path for Chrissy, eventually teaming up with her sister Bernadette Morrow in 2002, and opening Two Birds’ Cafe and Catering in Duggan Street.
Now in its 20th year of business, the business sources local produce and prepares and cooks all foods on site.
11. Leanne Loury and husband Scott Loury, John and Sair Raftery – Urban Grounds Cafe
Originally an Italian restaurant, Leanne and Scott Loury and John and Sair Raftery took over eight years ago, and created Urban Grounds Cafe seven years ago.
“We felt like we wanted to build up the breakfasts and lunch, so we decided to step away from the Italian side and focus more on the breakfast and lunch aspect,” Leanne said.
Both couples have come from areas of hospitality, with the cafe regularly regarded as a favourite among Toowoomba residents.
12. Clemence Demouzon and Tasch Egger – Burrow
Opening back in 2018, Clemence Demouzon and Tasch Egger have had to jump multiple hurdles to keep their dream of a cafe alive. From arson, to Covid, to floods to mandates, the Burrow cafe, located on Bridge Street in Toowoomba’s east has remained a top spot for residents.
13. Bonnie Duthoit – Park House Cafe
Purchased in 2008, Park House Cafe owner Bonnie Duthoit said owning a venue was something she always wanted to do. Ranked as one of the top cafes in Toowoomba, Duthoit said it warmed her heart to continue to be supported by the district.
14. Yubee Khatri, Pradip Bista and Suman Khatri – Aromas Cafe
The three brothers took over Aromas Cafe in 2020 before the Covid pandemic hit, and has remained one of the top cafes across the district.
Yubee, Pradip and Suman support local producers as much as possible, with the independent cafe on High Street Plaza running on “love, laughter, good food and good coffee”.
15. Kevin and Doulina White – Milk and Honey Espresso Bar
Operating on Ann St in Toowoomba’s CBD, couple Kevin and Doulina White purchased the property in 2017. With a strong local focus, the cafe remains a popular attraction for coffee-lovers.
16. The Finch Cafe – Dan and Edwina Farquhar
Two renowned venues in Toowoomba’s CBD and East Toowoomba The Finch owners Dan and Edwina have certainly stamped their mark on the town’s hospitality scene.
Consistently voted a favourite among locals.
Being dog friendly has also welcomed furry companions to join their owners for a puppuccino, a pleasant sight for a wandering customer.
17. Simon and Renee Desmarchelier – Kingfishers Cafe and Restaurant and 95 Mary Street
The owners of two Toowoomba cafes, Simon and Renee Desmarchelier pride themselves on the dining experience guests are offered at their facilities.
The couple understand how important it is to have dedicated family time, and that is why the Kingfishers Cafe offers the perfect spot for kids to play on the grass or on the playground.
18. Penny O’Neill and James Riwaka – Coffee Emporium and Greenwattle Cafe
Franchise owners of Coffee Emporium at Grand Central, and owners of Glenvale-based venue
Greenwattle Cafe, Penny O’Neill and James Riwaka have been delighted to serve the district with delicious foods and coffees.
During their ownership, they have seen the pandemic and vaccine mandates, impact the hospitality industry, but have appreciated the support of the community as customers continue to pass through their doors.
19. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation – Wellbean Co
Owned by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, the Wellbean Co Cafe, located inside the Toowoomba Hospital has services the district for years. Offering drinks, food and gifts, there’s something for everyone.
20. Santosh Paudel and Karishma Simkhada – The Revised Cafe
Operating out of Wyalla Plaza, the Nepalese couple have called Toowoomba home for about nine years now, and have had The Revised Cafe since 2020.
The pair is dedicated to keeping the cafe running for the long term.
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