A new waterfront cafe complete with an all-day cereal bay and a place to enjoy ‘elevenses’ is filling a gap in Caloundra’s bustling dining scene.
The venue is inspired by European cafes and takes advantage of its position overlooking the Pumicestone Passage.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and just about everything in between, Salt and Sand offers a space where diners are encouraged to “stay a while and enjoy their meal”.
Greg Heath and his partner Ana have taken over the former Bunker space along the Bulcock Beach Esplanade after spending months understanding what the locals wanted in a new cafe.
“We built Salt and Sand as people who also enjoy going for meals or simple drinks,” Mr Heath said.
“Ana had previously owned a successful restaurant in South Africa, and wanted to take her knowledge and build a space where people could enjoy great food and great service all in a garden-like environment.
“The fact it overlooks the beautiful Pumicestone Passage is an absolute bonus.
“We knew the location was good but it needed a lot of love, to make it a place where people of all ages wanted to go, could sit and relax and enjoy great food, craft beers and cocktails.
“Talking to our regular locals, they are all excited about the change in space to make it more inviting.
“In the end, we wanted a place that reflected where we would actually want to go too.”
Wanting to make sure there was something on offer for all appetites, Mr Heath has introduced what he believes to be a Queensland first: a cereal bar.
The all-day offering allows customers to choose from a range of cereals including favourites such as Coco Pops, Fruit Loops and Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes, plus a few international specialties.
“We have a lot of families who come in for breakfast and I wanted to ensure the kids had options for a great breakfast,” Mr Heath said.
“Although, to be honest, 50 per cent of the cereals are served to adults.
“Who doesn’t love a bowl of Strawberry Pops – a (favourite) amongst our South African friends – or any of our American-sourced cereals for the US/Canadian expats.”
Mr Heath said he also noticed a space in the market to offer people a mid-morning snack.
“Before we bought the shop, we sat for hours upon hours watching interactions and the one thing that always stuck with me was a couple who at 10.30am simply wanted a coffee and cake.
“They were turned away, with nowhere else to go.
“So, the first thing we introduced were options to have ‘elevenses’: a coffee or tea, and something sweet, to tide you over until lunch.”
The rest of the menu features a range of items including a traditional big breakfast, waffles and pancakes.
There is also the house special pineapple-cut calamari and a “crowd favourite” rosti stack, plus dishes inspired by flavours around the world, and craft beer on tap.
“We have recently employed a chef … from Sydney, and will be bringing on flavour nights,” he said.
“Caloundra has some wonderful options for Thai, Mexican and others, but we will be bringing Italian, Portuguese (and) Nepalese amongst others for a wider variety of dinner options.”
Salt and Sand employs 15 locals, who Mr Heath calls ‘Sandees’.
“One thing we love doing is being able to train up our younger generation in hospitality,” he said.
“It makes me proud to watch some of the younger ones come out of their shell and take orders, serve and interact with all ages.
“We have also ensured we place staff with our cooks and chefs, so their knowledge is passed on.
“Two of our Sandees are already looking at moving into commercial cooking.”
Salt and Sand is open daily from 7am at 8/38 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra.
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