A treasured piece of Sunshine Coast history is welcoming visitors once again.
After an 18-month closure and an extensive refurbishment, Daisy’s Place at Glenview has reopened, bringing new life to one of the region’s best-known historic landmarks while preserving the legacy that has drawn generations of travellers through its doors.
Owner Sue Joseph said reopening the cafe and restaurant had been driven by a love of the building and its remarkable story.
“I love what Daisy was about, what she did for people,” she said.
Originally built in 1921 by Sam and Daisy Johnston as The Cabin, the venue became famous for serving homemade pies, tea and scones to motorists travelling between Brisbane and North Queensland.
Their daughter, Dot, died in 1936 at the age of 10, while Sam died in 1945. Daisy continued living upstairs until 1976, cementing her place in Sunshine Coast folklore.
Ms Joseph bought the property in 2010, undertook a major restoration and reopened it as Daisy’s Place in 2011, operating it for six years before major roadworks affected trade. The space was later tenanted by That Pizza Guy before sitting vacant after that tenure ended about 18 months ago.
Rather than simply finding another tenant, Ms Joseph decided to strip the venue back and refresh almost every part of it.
“We revamped the whole kitchen, all the flooring, all the carpets, all the sanding and re-oiling,” she said.
“There are really no modifications as such. Everything is just fresh.”
She said retaining the character of the historic building was a priority, with an original timber beam preserved during earlier restoration works and historic memorabilia continuing to be displayed throughout the venue.
“I’ve got a cushion Daisy crocheted, the ribbon that was cut when the highway reopened, an old telephone and a lot of her handwritten letters,” she said.
“It will all keep growing.”
The doors reopened last week, and Ms Joseph said the response had immediately confirmed the affection the community still held for the venue.
“We’ve had one lady here every day since we’ve been open and another lady that’s been here three of the four days,” she said.
“They’re very excited, very happy.”
The menu continues the venue’s tradition of hearty fare with a modern Australian focus, featuring local seafood from Mooloolaba, Beerwah chicken and eggs, breakfast corn fritters, house-made doughnuts and Daisy’s famous-style date and pumpkin scones served with house-made organic blueberry jam and cream.
The business currently employs about 20 staff, while a homewares gift range has also been introduced.
Ms Joseph acknowledged hospitality remained challenging amid cost-of-living pressures but said she was optimistic.
“It’s a tough gig. I don’t think it matters what business you’re in now,” she said.
“You really have to work hard and do as much as you can to give the service and turn clients into raving fans.”
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She also spoke warmly about the cafe’s relationship with members of the homeless community who live in nearby bushland, saying the two had peacefully co-existed for years.
“We don’t have any issues with it,” she said.
“We exist nicely with them. We give them power so they can charge their phones or boil a jug because they need a bit of support. Nothing ever happens and we’re very lucky.”
Daisy’s place is located at 11 Frizzo Connection Road, Glenview, and is open Thursday to Monday, 8am to 3pm.
