How this Palmwoods cafe got its name

Barista Sam Vollmer at One Weird Dog Cafe, Palmwoods.

A new gelato and brunch bar has opened in Palmwoods replacing the Cocoa Tree Cafe. Owners, Ann and Geoff Vollmer took over at the beginning of November and opened the doors two weeks ago.

And the name, One Weird Dog? “We actually have two weird dogs, but one is definitely weirder than the other,” Ann said. “Teddy is a miniature Schnauzer who completely lacks personal boundaries. We hadn’t decided on the name, and we were relaxing on the verandah with the dogs when he did something that was stranger than usual. I said to him ‘buddy, you are one weird dog!’ and Geoff said “that’s it, that’s the name”. And so it stuck.

“Just in time for ice cream weather!” Ann said. A chef by trade, Ann wanted to open her own cafe so that she could cater for “weird eaters like me”.

“I found that every time I went out to eat, I wanted to order something just slightly different to what was on the menu. I figured I was not the only person so inclined and this business has given me the opportunity to develop a beautiful ‘mix and match’ style of menu that allows for different tastes and dietary requirements,” she said. “I am very much into healthy cooking and eating and I am finding that 60 - 70% of our customers have specific eating requirements. It is wonderful to be able to cater for them.”

One Weird Dog has a full menu that spans from breakfast to lunch, coffee, cake and gelato, and includes everything from fritters and waffles to burgers, bowls and tacos, with almost unlimited ‘design your own’ combinations. There is also a cabinet with an ever changing array of sweet and savoury goodies.

“Our full menu and brunch are available from 7.30am to 2pm and the cabinet food, coffee and gelato are available until our closing time at 4pm,” Ann said.

There are 16 flavours of Maleny Food Co gelato and sorbets including Ginger and Macadamia, Irish Creme, Passionfruit Cheesecake and Salted Caramel alongside the more traditional flavours. There is also superb Koko Twist soft serve ice cream for those who are vegan or dairy free.

Open daily from 7.30am to 4pm, One Weird Dog is the perfect spot for the indecisive, fussy, or just plain ‘unique’ eater who enjoys real, fresh, tasty food, prepared with passion and served up with a great sense of humour.

• One Weird Dog 4/7 Margaret Street, Palmwoods Facebook: @OneWeirdDog