After almost five years operating a successful coffee shop in Bargara, Mat Grills has his sights set on the Bundaberg CBD to open his second cafe, The Journey.
To be situated in The Laneway in Woongarra Street, Mat said the opportunity to open a second store had been in the planning for a number of years.
“It has always made business sense to open a shop in town however we have been very picky about locations,” he said.
“We wanted to make sure the space, feel, vibe and area was in alignment with our current model.”
Mat said when he found out about The Laneway, he was adamant that it was the perfect spot for his business.
“We went there for one of the night markets and the spot felt perfect,” he said.
“It ticked all the boxes, felt like it was where we were meant to be, and when a shop space became available, we jumped at the opportunity.”
Mat said The Journey Bundaberg would follow the same model as the Bargara shop, with great coffee being the number one focus.
“Coffee is always number one,” he said.
“We also sell a variety of other cold drinks and smoothies and then a wide range of healthy, no processed sugar (a lot of gluten free) plant-based food from muffins, breads, raw slices, wraps and similar items.”
Mat said he was excited to bring his brand to the CBD and couldn't wait to be part of the small but passionate range of businesses in The Laneway.
“We didn't want to be on a main thoroughfare and wanted to continue to be a ‘destination' location like we are in Bargara – one you have to find and not just know it is there,” he said.
“The Laneway is perfect and ticks all those boxes and additionally, the girls in The Laneway businesses currently are fantastic.
“They have done an amazing job creating a beautiful, vibrant and energetic cool place to be and we wanted to be a part of that also.”
The Journey Bundaberg is set to open by November 12 with Mat currently on the lookout for more staff.
“We are looking for qualified café workers, particularly baristas who can work in a super busy environment and fit the vibe and energy of The Journey Bargara,” he said.
“Our motto has always been to help someone leave the shop feeling better than when they arrived.
“Coffee is a big part of that but service and relationship is a much much bigger part of that story.
“We want to build community around the shop in The Laneway and create a family there like we have at The Journey Bargara.”
Mat said he was looking forward to the next Journey that his coffee shop business would take him on.
“We couldn't be more excited to bring Kai Coffee and The Journey vibes to Bundy City,” he said.
“We look forward to meeting you all, getting to know your names, have a laugh and share life together at The Laneway.”
The Laneway is situated at 53 Woongarra Street.
