Cafe is land of Milk and Honey

THE group that brought Hello Harry and Junk to Toowoomba is planning to open a new café.

Worldwide Hospitality Group will open its latest venture, Milk and Honey, at the site of the former Knights Commercial Laundry building at 6 Anne St, Toowoomba.

Tony Kelly, one of the owners, said the opportunity arose with Newlands Group, which is transforming the antique building into its new head office.

When he was told of the long history of the iconic Toowoomba building he knew it would be perfect for a new espresso bar.

“We’re always looking for creative areas and spaces for future businesses and when we saw it would be modern and in keeping with the heritage of the building, I thought what a great place for cool espresso bar.”

Mr Kelly is hoping to cash in on what he called a “terrific coffee culture in Toowoomba”.

Coming off the back of business success at Walton Stores with Hello Harry, Junk and 2Birds, he said it was an opportunity to be part of an exciting new development.

The cafe will be aimed at the corporate market, but also at cyclist and mothers.

Mr Kelly said north Toowoomba was a prime location for cyclists and people coming in and out of town.

“We’re a real produce-focused group and we’ll cook from what suppliers are giving us on the day.

“Things like fresh apple rhubarb muffins. We’ll be in the hands of the gods when it comes to menu items.”

He said a special blend of coffee would be a unique feature.

Coffees will be sold for about $3.50, with the café to be focused on driving quick sales.

An orange juicer has been imported from Italy in which oranges can be top-loaded and juiced in minutes.

Lunch offerings will likely include grab-and-go items like quiches and salads.

The café will seat about 60 people and include free wi-fi.

A selection of newspapers from across Australia will be stocked, headlined by The Toowoomba Chronicle and a television will broadcast news. Mr Kelly said the Newlands offices were modern, featuring shared office space and communal areas.

Hot desks will allow people to hire a desk for the day, complete with printers and internet access.

The new café will likely be open by February next year.

❝ We’re always looking for creative areas and spaces for future businesses.

— Café owner Tony Kelly