Kimnat Cafe changes hands, owners brew up last coffees

Kimnat Little Market and Café founders Brent and Janelle Jeal, centre, with employees Kirstie Martin and Ethan Lloyd.

After 12 years in Woombye and eight years at the current location in the old house on Blackall Street, the founders of Kimnat Little Market and Café have sold the business, a much-loved spot for locals and visitors.

It is the end of an era for Brent and Janelle Jeal who evolved Kimnat from a computer repair and DVD rental store with coffee, on the corner of Blackall Street and Hill Street, into what it is today.

Janelle said their time in Woombye had been memorable and would be missed.

“Kimnat has been such a big part of our lives and its something we are really proud of, but after 12 years it’s time for some downtime and a change,” Janelle said.

“Woombye is a great little community – we loved getting to know our regulars and have been very humbled by the cards, flowers and goodbye visits from customers over the past few weeks.

“I’ve always liked the saying, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’ and for us Kimnat definitely reaffirmed that.”

The couple will enjoy some time out before deciding what to pursue next.

“The original plan was to travel overseas but obviously that’s not an option right now, so we’ll make the most of some time off here on the coast and maybe do a trip to Uluru,” Janelle said. “Anyone who has owned a small business probably understands the catch up we have to do on projects at home and it will be nice to enjoy some extra time with family and friends.

“We wish Kelly all the best with the café and hope she loves being a part of Woombye as much as we have.”

If you would like to follow whatever Brent and Janelle plan next – be it travels, projects or future businesses – you can find them on Facebook by searching ‘Brent and Janelle’ or on Instagram at @brentandjanelle.