Caloundra’s newest family-owned café is serving up delicious eats, exceptional coffee, and a kind atmosphere to honour the family’s late forefather’s legacy.
Declan’s Coffee officially opened in Caloundra West earlier this month, but the motivation behind the new venture, by the all-female family of six, is especially moving.
Co-owner and eldest daughter Jamie-Lee Billerwell said after losing their beloved grandfather Declan Billerwell to cancer earlier this year, her mother Kellie Percy wanted to do something extra special to keep his legacy alive.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
She said finally opening a shop after a “tumultuous year” has been extremely healing for her mum and four sisters, after losing their Pop at age 66.
“I’ve made my peace with it, but mum and dad are still grieving,” Ms Billerwell said.
“He used to go to this local café in Canberra, where he lived, which was a saving grace for him at the end … the owner made such an effort for my grandfather and even came to his funeral.
“I think what we got from that was it wasn’t just a coffee shop to Pop, but maybe an emotional attachment to that kind experience he had there.
“I think it’s our way of grieving him and honouring him. This café is for him, so he lives on.”
She said the Declan’s team hoped to extend a similar kind experience to their customers and were also dedicated to giving back to the first responders of the local community.
“My mum and dad are both local police officers and felt the need to give back to emergency service staff,” she said.
“Anyone in uniform (including SES staff) will get a 50 per cent discount upon arrival.”
Since opening, the family has been “absolutely shocked” by the support of the local community.
“It’s been really good so far,” she said.
“It’s been quite a promising start and a smooth process. We are fortunate to be right next to the bike tracks and the bike riding and walking community have been so lovely and supportive.”
After about a year of growing the new business idea, Ms Billerwell gave a special shout out to Sunshine Coast Council Recreation Trails Activation Officer Kurt Martin for being so helpful before and after opening.
“The council was very good to deal with during that process, which was so surprising because you do hear some stories, but they were a saving grace and super helpful,” she said.
All family members, who also include accountants, mortgage brokers and real estate agents, have been in and out of hospitality over the years, but self-confessed coffee snob, Ms Billerwell, said she was always determined to serve exceptional coffee.
“I am proud to be a coffee snob and I care about making good coffee, so we wanted to make sure we had Merlo,” she said.
“We are all very good qualified baristas.”
With plans to expand, for now Declan’s Coffee is a take away café, serving up scones, raison toast, muffins and croissants as well as quality coffee, with all the regular favourites on the menu.
“We’ve all got really big ideas and visions for the business but I’d love to get a kitchen eventually,” she said.
“We are currently going through the process of getting a liquor licence.
“I can picture people bringing picnic blankets and rugs to sit on during summer and spring because we have quite a big space.
“We are really grateful to the local community and humbled at the support that they’ve already given us. We want Declan’s Coffee to be a wholesome space that families can gather.”
The team is looking for an experienced part-time barista to join them, from 5.30am to 2.30pm. If interested, email your resume to declanscoffee@gmail.com or phone 0439 238 293
Find Declan’s Coffee at 186 Sugar Bag Road, Aroona. It’s open daily from 6am to 2pm.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. SUBSCRIBE here now.
