PHARMACY CAFE A REAL HIT
A MANOORA pharmacy has added an in-store cafe in what is believed to be a first for Cairns.
The Compound Cafe is part of a “substantial” expansion at the Pease St Discount Drug Store and Health Food Shop.
Group manager Kerri Black said following the decision to expand their health food range, it was decided to add the cafe to differentiate the pharmacy from their competitors and become “a total health holistic shopping destination”.
She said increasing consumer awareness of a healthy, nutritious diet and active lifestyle to promote good physical and mental health was another reason for the cafe and health food expansion.
“The design was specifically for this store. We have included a naturopath dispensary at the end of our cafe. I’m unaware of any other cafe that has a naturopath on hand,” Ms Black said.
“Our naturopath has made herbal tea blends to retail and her herbal tinctures can also be used in our juices and smoothies.”
Ms Black said owners Frank and Vince Pappalardo and the management team designed the cafe, built by Keir Queensland.
She said five new staff had also been added to the payroll.
Ms Black said the cafe specialised in raw foods with coffee and raw, organic, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free cakes/slices proving popular with customers.
“We have a large selection of cakes, slices, bliss balls, brownies and fudge as well as smoothie bowls, power pots and salads,” she said.
“We have people coming in specifically for the cafe and a lot of customers looking through our new health food area.
“I love watching their faces as they walk through the door if they haven’t been in already.
“It stops people tracks as they enter.
“We have had a positive feedback.
“A customer at the grand
in
their
lot
of reopening on Saturday made the comment that it has a real ‘community feel’ and that’s what we are aiming for.
“We employ a strong, enthusiastic team, who have played an integral role in supporting and implementing their vision of holistic healthcare, where pharmacy and naturopathy entwine with a healthy range of organic foods and a comprehensive range of natural products.”