A bittersweet chapter is closing in Glen Innes as The Coffee Incident, a beloved local café, goes on the market, but it's all for the happiest of reasons. Owner Holly Coldham and her partner, Tom, are excitedly preparing to welcome their first child, a baby boy, in mid-November. This news has sparked a mix of emotions, and it's a story that resonates with anyone who's ever chased a dream. But what exactly makes this café so special? Let's dive in.
"It's a very bittersweet decision," Holly admits, perfectly capturing the essence of this transition. For her, owning the café was a long-held ambition, deeply intertwined with her identity and life. But at the same time, the choice was clear. Family has always been her top priority, and she's committed to embracing it fully. This highlights a universal struggle: balancing personal aspirations with life's other meaningful commitments.
Holly's journey with The Coffee Incident began when she took over the business from Chris Glennan, her former boss, after he'd run it for over seven years. Working alongside Chris gave her a unique perspective. She later moved to Toowoomba to gain more experience in the hospitality industry. And this is the part most people miss... It was there she realized her true calling: to return home to Glen Innes and start her own venture. She asked Chris if he'd be interested in selling, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Returning to familiar faces and systems made the transition feel natural. "It was so great coming back to a team I already knew, along with customers who knew me too. It all just made sense," she says, emphasizing the importance of community in business. Her bold step into entrepreneurship quickly became a defining chapter in her life, filled with early mornings, valuable lessons, and a growing affection for her community.
Initially, The Coffee Incident was nestled in a smaller space at 316 Grey Street, offering a "simple and effective" menu. However, her time in Toowoomba had sparked new ideas, especially about presentation. She learned the value of a display cabinet and implemented it immediately. This small change had a big impact, despite the limited space.
Eventually, the café outgrew its cozy beginnings. About 2.5 years ago, Holly and her team moved to 191 Grey Street. "We were bursting at the seams," she recalls. The new space allowed for an all-day breakfast menu, a larger display cabinet, and a tripled dining area. It was a welcome change, offering room to experiment and grow, much to the delight of their customers.
When asked what sets The Coffee Incident apart, Holly points to the people. "Honestly, our atmosphere is what makes us different. My team is so special... We're more like a friendship group than colleagues, and customers can really feel that joy." This highlights the often-underestimated importance of a positive work environment.
Running a busy café wasn't without its challenges. Holly candidly admits that the reality of business ownership was an eye-opener. "I was very naïve about how difficult it is to run a business," she says. At just 24, she had to learn quickly, mastering every role and navigating the business side from scratch. This steep learning curve has shaped her approach to mentoring her team. She now supports their entrepreneurial endeavors, fostering a collaborative environment. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it better to learn on the job or to have formal business training?
As she prepares to pass the torch, Holly hopes the next owner will see the potential for growth. "There's so much room for growth if someone's willing to put in the energy," she explains. The venue is licensed, offering opportunities for night events, retail, or an expanded menu.
When asked what she'll miss most, the answer is simple: her team. "They're such a beautiful group of people... The atmosphere they create is truly special." This speaks volumes about the value of a strong team.
For now, business continues as usual, with the same warm smiles and heartfelt service. "The café deserves energy and attention," Holly says. "It's a magical place, and I think there's someone out there who will love it as much as Chris did and as much as I do."
As she and Tom prepare for their baby boy's arrival, Holly is looking forward to embracing the next chapter of her life. "If I’m able to sell the café and completely lean into family life, that’s exactly what I’ll be looking forward to, just giving my undivided attention to home for a while," she shares.
Before signing off, Holly has a heartfelt message for her community. "Being a local girl coming back to a café I once worked at helped me find my feet because our community is so supportive of young people giving business a go," she says. She acknowledges the incredible support she's received.
The sale of The Coffee Incident, managed by Country Wide Property Glen Innes, presents an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about hospitality.
As Holly prepares for the new joys of motherhood, Glen Innes will undoubtedly celebrate with a coffee toast, celebrating new beginnings, fond farewells, and the lasting legacy of a café built on love, caffeine, and community.
What do you think? Are you a business owner, or do you have any thoughts on the importance of community support for local businesses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
