Success on the menu
WHIPPING UP PRODUCTS TO FEED A CAFE CULTURE
A CAIRNS cafe owner has plated up a business concept of diversity and inclusion that is now available across the county through the launch of a new franchise network.
A mainstay of the Cairns CBD since 2003 the Lillipad Cafe on Grafton St is branching out to offer a brand that celebrates bringing people together from a wide variety of dietary tastes.
Growing up in the former Soviet Union before fleeing and living as a refugee in Europe, cafe owner Yuri Kagan learnt to connect with people through a common passion.
The former transport industry company director turned his affinity with food into a successful business after emigrating to Australia from the United States 20 years ago.
“Now we are learning how to accept one another and eat at the same table,” he said.
“Families come in, dad is vegan and mother eats steak. The child cannot eat dairy, so he wants vegan pancakes, and they all feel OK because they have a place to go.”
Mr Kagan said the idea had been many years in the making and the pandemic had delayed the launch and now the first franchisee had been locked in to open the first Lillipad Cafe on the Gold Coast.
Mr Kagan said the Lillipad Cafe was the first in Australia to brand a food philosophy centred on catering to all dietary requirements.
“We started to notice orders like a steak burger, a vegan burrito, and gluten-free crepes, all at the same table,” he said.
“This became such a common theme, that we realised there was a real need in the community for a place where families and friends with diverse eating habits could all go out and eat together.
“The evolution of our diverse menu was driven by our community, and we are proud to provide a place where everyone can eat together.
“We came up with this concept where we can do it fast and do it easily.”
The Lillipad owner said he wanted to share his philosophy and values with others to create welcoming spaces, friendly service and flavoursome food.
Franchise holders gain access to proprietary flavour profiles, all day hearty menu options that are both wholesome and eclectic, and offer equal choice for everyone.
Assistance in the form of business advice, human resources, cafe fit-outs, marketing, technical and operational support is offered to new Lillipad operators keen to set up in Queensland and New South Wales but Mr Kagan said he was happy to discuss other locations.
Visit the Lillipad own a cafe website for more information.