Nambour Cafe idea draws owner, Nicole, back to brewing
Nicole Hoffman: “I want to be a part of the regeneration of Nambour. I thought, ‘I know what I’m good at and I’ll give it a good go’.”
by Janine Hill
NICOLE Hoffman finds the hospitality business as irresistible as coffee drinkers do the aroma of fresh roast.
After 17 years owning and operating cafes, Nicole sold out and took a break but two-and-a-half years down the track, has been drawn back into hospitality.
She will open Banksia Espresso, on the northern corner of Ann and Lowe Streets, Nambour, in December.
If Nicole’s background in cafes is anything to go by, Banksia should be a resounding success.
With her husband, she established the Café Envy at Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba.
A resident of the Nambour area for 25 years, she thought it was the logical spot for her next venture.
“I have always loved Nambour and always thought it would be a great spot for a café,” she said.
“I want to be a part of the regeneration of Nambour. I thought, ‘I know what I’m good at and I’ll give it a good go’.
“I feel that there’s some traction in Nambour, there’s some quality businesses opening. I feel that we need about 10 of them and I want to be a part of that.”
Banksia will not have the same full kitchen as Envy but will still offer a range of tasty treats: gourmet pastries, gluten-free cakes, vegan ice-cream, pre-made gourmet salads and chia puddings.
It will also sell gift lines – locally-made items, Australian-designed products and dried flower arrangements.
Nicola has endeavoured to source as much as she can locally for Banksia, including the coffee, a blend from Sunshine Coast Coffee Roastery at Kunda Park.
“Even the trades I’m using – plumber, electrician and others – are local to Nambour. I’m doing my little bit for the local area.”
Nicole will be joined at Banksia by her daughter, Abby, 18, who shares her passion for great customer service, and two other team members.
• Banksia will be open Monday to Friday from 7am to 3.30pm and weekends from 7am to noon.