‘It almost doesn’t seem like work’

Deb Slater knows her customers so well, that she remembers their coffee orders by heart. 

Five years after Bury Lane Coffee first opened, it has become a firm favourite with it’s daily customers who enjoy the exclusive blend of coffee served up with a smile, by owner, Deb Slater. 

“In fact, most of my customers refer to my shop as ‘Deb’s place’. That’s how they know me,” said Deb. “I originally started out making coffee for my partner, Glenn’s customers,” Deb said. 

“He has a carpet overlocking business in Bury Lane and I made coffee for his customers while they waited for their carpet. It really just took off from there.”

The business quickly grew and now Deb makes between 100 and 120 cups of coffee every morning. “I have been so incredibly well supported,” she said. “I look forward to seeing my customers every day. We have great chats while I make their coffee and I have gotten to know them very well. It almost doesn’t seem like work!”

Deb knows her customers so well, that she remembers their coffee orders by heart. “I think that does blow people away a bit,” she laughed. “I’m not sure how I remember so many, but I do!”

Deb serves up a coffee blend by Windomal Roasters, a Gold Coast based roastery. “The owner of Windomal Roasters is actually my son’s friend and I have decided to keep using it, because it is a really beautiful blend, my customers love it, and I am the only person serving it on the Sunshine Coast.”

Deb doesn’t serve food, but every customer gets a complimentary slice of gluten free chocolate brownie with their cup of coffee. “People really love it,” Deb said.

Over the years, Deb has sold various products and fresh produce for her customers. “It started out with people putting various bits and pieces here for sale to my coffee customers,” said Deb. “I don’t charge anything for them to do this because I like to help, and my customers like to see what else I am selling each day. So far, I have sold fresh limes for one customer, homemade lip balms and face masks and beautiful fresh Compass Farm free range eggs and honey. I guess it is something a little different.”

• Bury Lane Coffee 12a Bury Street, Nambour. Phone 0405 189 879. Open 6.30am - 11am, Monday to Friday.