The Coffee Incident, a beloved café nestled in Glen Innes, is up for sale, marking the end of an era for its owner, Holly Coldham, and the beginning of a new one. This bittersweet brew is a tale of a young entrepreneur's journey, filled with early mornings, laughter, and a deep connection to the community. But it's also a story of a new chapter, as Holly and her partner, Tom, eagerly await the arrival of their first child, a baby boy due in mid-November.
Holly's passion for coffee and entrepreneurship began when she purchased The Coffee Incident from her former boss, Chris Glennan. The café, tucked away in a small space at 316 Grey Street, offered a simple yet effective menu, featuring great coffee, cakes, and toasties. However, Holly's time in Toowoomba had sparked new ideas, particularly around the art of presentation, and she was determined to bring her unique touch to the café.
The café's cozy atmosphere and the team's warmth made it feel like a natural fit for Holly. She quickly realized that running a café was more than just serving coffee; it was about creating a community and fostering connections. Despite the challenges of business ownership, Holly's dedication and hard work paid off, and the café flourished.
About 2.5 years later, the café outgrew its small space, and Holly and her team moved to a larger venue at 191 Grey Street. This new location allowed them to offer an all-day breakfast menu, double the size of their cabinet, and triple their dining area. The café became a hub for the community, a place where people gathered to share stories and create memories.
When asked what makes The Coffee Incident stand out, Holly attributes it to the people behind the counter. The team's energy, work ethic, and joy create a truly special atmosphere. They've become more like a friendship group than colleagues, and this bond with the customers is what sets the café apart.
However, running a busy café came with its challenges. Holly admits that she was naive about the difficulties of business ownership. At 24, she took on a huge responsibility, learning every position in the café and navigating the business side from scratch. This steep learning curve has shaped her approach to mentoring her team, as she now loves helping others with their budding businesses.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Holly hopes the next owner will see the potential that still lies ahead for The Coffee Incident. The venue is licensed, and she envisions hosting more night events, expanding the menu, and exploring retail opportunities. The café's aesthetic space and community support make it a prime location for growth.
When asked what she'll miss the most, Holly's answer is simple: her team. She describes them as a beautiful group of people with unmatched work ethic, energy, and joy. The atmosphere they create is truly special, and it's what she'll cherish the most.
For now, business continues as usual, with the same warm smiles, steaming coffee, and heartfelt service that have made The Coffee Incident a local favorite. As Holly and Tom prepare for the arrival of their baby boy, they look forward to a new chapter, where Holly can fully embrace family life and Tom can pursue his passion for music.
The sale of The Coffee Incident is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for hospitality to take the reins of a thriving, well-loved local business. With its loyal customer base and supportive community, The Coffee Incident is a café built on love, caffeine, and connection, and its legacy will continue to thrive.
