Townsville’s Cafe Nova changes owners, menu, but its name stays the same

A Townsville cafe with decades of history in the CBD, has changed ownership, menu, and undergone renovations on its interior. See how it looks now.

Cafe Nova co-owner Angel Houghton and staff member Iris Scott show off their newly created service area. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Formerly a retro cafe and art gallery in Townsville CBD, Cafe Nova has begun an exciting new chapter as a female-owned indigenous business, who won’t change its familiar name or stop offering value for money home-cooked meals.

After opening in 1993, the cafe had stood vacant for 14 months before catching the eyes of Allen Bedford and David Ollett in 2015, who gave it a new lease on life before they sold the business in September to hit the road for their retirement adventures.

The business was snapped up by Western Australia-based real estate agent Rose-marie Houghton and her family, who had roots in North Queensland, and were looking to purchase a a suitable business, which would allow her to be close to her father during his health struggles.

“I came across this one on one of the business sales websites ... had a look at it, obviously (it was) a bit retro, and it was within my budget, so we were happy to proceed with it,” Ms Houghton said.

“It was very quick process. They were looking to retire, and wanted to just get the deal done as soon as possible ... we made the offer in early October, settled on the first of November and reopened again on December 9.”

To bring the space up to date with a more modern and tidy appearance, they spent nearly $20,000 on renovations including fresh paint and flooring, a new dividing wall with the kitchen, converting the stage into a servery area, installing a new TV, and purchasing a new coffee machine - which will continue to grind the cafe’s popular coffee beans.

“We’ve had a few regulars come in ... they’ve been very happy with the service, got a couple of nice reviews already,” she said.

Townsville CBD business Cafe Nova reopened under new ownership in December, with the original name retained. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Cafe Nova co-owner Angel Houghton and staff member Iris Scott reveal the changed interior layout for their business. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“(Visitors are) happy that it’s not just closed down because Cafe Nova has apparently been here for such a long time.”

She described the menu as having “very simple food at a reasonable price, home cooked meals, nothing too fancy”.

Cafe Nova co-owner Angel Houghton and staff member Iris Scott show off their newly created service area. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Their menu features traditional favourites in its all day breakfast, along with salads, sandwiches, and a massive jaffle menu with flavours like eggs benedict, hot dog, pizza, and savoury mince.

There were plenty of main meal options including parmigiana, seafood baskets, fish and chips, steak sandwhiches, a kids menu, and a range of hot and cold drinks, including smoothies.

There is a new TV and dividing wall in the reopened Cafe Nova. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Cafe Nova co-owner Angel Houghton and staff member Iris Scott reveal the changed interior layout for their business. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Ms Houghton planned for the venue to operate after hours as a small function venue, and was hopeful that strong community support could pave the way for more local staff to be recruited in the future.

For more information, visit: cafenova-tsv.com.au,

Originally published as Townsville’s Cafe Nova changes owners, menu, but its name stays the same