The latest offering on the Cooroy cafe scene is bringing the best in healthy food with a touch of Swedish flair.
Fika Cafe Cooroy opened in April and is fast becoming a favourite spot for locals and visitors to enjoy great coffee and food in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
With more than 15 years’ experience as a chef in restaurants including Ricky’s in Noosa, Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay and a Michelin-star restaurant in London, cafe owner Guy Skinner and his wife Eva Paterson decided they wanted to bring their own vibe to the hinterland town.
“We moved back home from Byron – my two daughters and partner Eva,” Mr Skinner said.
“I was working in Noosa and we decided we wanted to start our own cafe.
“It’s more health-oriented style of food, soul bowls and fresh salads. That’s my kind of cooking background.”
Mr Skinner said the day-to-day running of the cafe was very much a partnership between himself and his wife.
“Eva, she is front of house doing smoothies and cold pressed juices and making coffees, so it is definitely a full family affair.
“We really wanted to able to bring fresh, vibrant food to Cooroy.”
Like stories about Sunshine Coast people doing great things? Help us deliver more by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article
The cafe name is inspired by the family’s Swedish heritage and a popular pastime in the Nordic country.
“Eva’s mum is Swedish,” Mr Skinner said.
“Fika in Swedish means coffee and cake or making time with friends.
“If you were working in Sweden, you would say let’s stop for fika.
“We’ve been over there heaps and that’s what you always do, you stop for coffee and cake.”
The inspiration behind the family opening Fika Cafe was the opportunity to work for themselves and bring something unique to Cooroy.
“We wanted to bring a vibe – we always have music playing.
“I’m always about being friendly and playful and hospitable.
“That was the big thing for me. Obviously bringing fresh, vibrant food, but also a really great atmosphere for people to come daily and have their coffee and feel like there are part of us, like family.
“So far we have had great support from the local community.”
As for signature dishes, Mr Skinner said the Fika soul bowl – with toasted quinoa, homemade sauerkraut and hummus, halloumi and roasted pumpkin – and the breakfast burger made with locally produced Voodoo Bacon are among the most popular.
Fika Café Cooroy is open 7am to 4pm daily at 1 Emerald St, Cooroy.
