BACK FULL OF BEANS
TONY RAGGATT 4722 4439
GIVING back to struggling businesses during the COVID-19 crisis has helped cafe operator Danielle Kohi build trade during difficult times.
Ms Kohi opened Mello Cafe late last year, taking a lease on a 47 sqm tenancy inside the Findex office building at 22 Walker St in the city.
But her trade virtually evaporated overnight when COVID-19 hit.
Other food operators closed or reduced operating times but Ms Kohi stayed open, starting deliveries by foot to people living in nearby apartments and to the few workers who remained in nearby offices, as well as providing takeaways.
“We offered some free coffee to surrounding businesses that were still open to help people get along,” Ms Kohi said.
“We are going to support everyone who comes back to work.”
She said they had wanted to build customer numbers and let people know they were still open.
But they also wanted to give something back to customers who were struggling.
“It worked it out to be about $1000 worth of (free) coffee,” Ms Kohi said.
That generosity is now being repaid as the cafe builds customer loyalty and more people return to work in the city.
Mello Cafe is Ms Kohi’s first business of her own.
She has worked in hospitality for about 12 years, building her skills from that of a kitchen hand washing dishes to become a head barista and cafe manager.
She has also completed courses in business management.
Colliers International Townsville leased the office tenancy which, although small in size, comes with a large indoor licensed eating area with furniture.
It services hundreds of workers in the office building which has tenants including Findex, Westpac and Aon, and enjoys good access to the nearby law courts, Townsville City Council, Sturt St businesses and residents in the Dalgety apartments in Denham St.
The venue is also suitable for functions and events.
Ms Kohi said she was looking forward to a bright future for her enterprise.
“There are people coming back to work now. It’s been a lot busier,” Ms Kohi said.