A national cafe franchise is making its Sunshine Coast debut after securing a long-held retail precinct location.
Degani is preparing to open its first local outlet at Kawana Shoppingworld following the closure of Rafters, a family-run cafe that operated from the site for more than four decades.
Degani owner and CEO Bruce Scott said the business had been searching for the right Coast venue for some time before securing the Buddina site.
“We’re very excited about it,” he said.
“There’s a lot of growth in this region that we like. We’re very particular about getting the right location with the right franchisee.”
The Buddina cafe will become Degani’s 47th store nationally and its ninth in Queensland.
Mr Scott said Kawana Shoppingworld appealed to the company because of its strong local customer base and community feel.
“It is personal and we liked it because it creates that family atmosphere.”
“It is for families to come and celebrate together, to have really good coffee. Our hero is our coffee, supported by our food.”
Unlike many franchise cafes, Mr Scott said Degani encouraged franchisees to tailor menus to their own tastes and expertise.
The Buddina outlet will feature Belgian waffles inspired by franchisee Ren’s family heritage, alongside a gelato bar and a cold brew coffee tap system.
The cafe will offer everything from coffee and cake through to full sit-down meals.
Mr Scott said Degani had no involvement in Rafters’ closure, only becoming aware the tenancy would become available through the shopping centre’s landlord.
The announcement marks a new chapter for a site that had become a long-time fixture of Kawana Shoppingworld.
When announcing the cafe’s closure in May, owners Pete and Simone Rafter thanked customers.
“Over 40 years in small business and one of the original tenants – it’s been a ride,” they wrote on Facebook.
“We have loved serving all our loyal customers their scone, pikelet or homemade treat, delivering a roast meal and having a warm chat at their table to connect will stay with us forever. It’s time to thank you Sunny Coast, your loyalty and support over the years has meant so much to our family. We will miss seeing all our regulars and hearing your stories. We will take a moment to pause and spend time with our family to decide what our next chapter will be. From our family to yours – thank you!”
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Kawana Shoppingworld centre manager Michelle Lucadou-Wells paid tribute to the cafe’s legacy.
“Rafters has been a much-loved part of Kawana Shoppingworld for more than 40 years,” she said.
“We thank Peter and Simone Rafter for their contribution over that time and wish them all the very best for their next chapter.
“We know many of our customers (and team!) will miss them.”
Construction of Degani is expected to be completed by the end of July, with the cafe aiming to open the doors in early August.
