Tough decision behind sale of My Ability Cafe on Duggan St

A Toowoomba cafe geared towards helping people in the city’s disabled community gain employment is up for sale – here’s more.

My Ability Cafe on Duggan St hit the market earlier this week, with owner Keiran Dau hoping to secure the business’s longevity.

“I really didn’t want to sell, but we’ve been closed for four weeks because the support isn’t there,” Mr Dau said.

“I opened (the cafe) during the middle of COVID-19, which was a risky move, and I think that’s played a part.

“I thought I had the upper hand because this was a market that really needed it.”

The cafe, which opened in August, provided employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities.

A support worker by trade, Mr Dau said he had wanted to create a space where people with disabilities could come together with the wider community.

“A lot of people with disabilities who I have interacted with want nothing more than to work,” Mr Dau said.

“I was inundated with messages and phone calls from people wanting work.

“There is a huge need for disability employment, but no one is doing it.”

By selling the business, Mr Dau hopes to preserve its legacy.

“I would like to see the name and concept continue, as I think it’s fitting to what it’s trying to achieve,” Mr Dau said.

“I can assist the buyers in handing over contacts (for employees) and the business page.

“I think a business like this is 100 per cent necessary in Toowoomba; this is about learning in the workplace and having real customers.”

Looking to the future, Mr Dau said he would consider starting a mobile venture of a similar nature.

“I would like to start up something similar, like a cafe-style trailer where we’re still able to do cooking, coffee and service,” he said.

He added that the cafe would now remained closed until its sale.

To contact Mr Dau about the sale, please email [e-mail].