Local Legends: Rebecca of Frankie's Woombye on Reinvigorating the Rural Sunshine Coast's Coffee Scene

"I wanted to put Woombye on the hospitality map and make sure it's known for something more than just the Big Pineapple."
Hudson Brown
Published on December 02, 2024

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A stellar local cafe turns a pleasant community into a special one, with invigorating coffee and top-notch cuisine serving as a hotspot for nourishment and neighbourly chats. Playing a pivotal role from our high streets to our country towns, the local legends operating these coffee corners deserve a rousing round of applause.

With this in mind, much-loved coffee roaster Toby's Estate launched the annual Local Legends competition. Featuring every cafe in Australia brewing enticing espresso from Toby's beans, communities across the country voted for their favourite local spot.

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In Queensland, Frankie's Woombye took home the state's sought-after title. Founded by Rebecca Galler in 2019, her journey to opening amid the Sunshine Coast hinterland was long and winding. But the ride was worth it, as the region has rarely known cafe cuisine this good.

From the early hours, full-bodied coffee is served from the airy front counter alongside elevated all-day brunch and lunch options like eggs benedict, rosti stacks and brisket reuben burgers. After a coffee or two, there's also the chance to order a round of craft beers or cocktails.

To celebrate Frankie's prize, we've had a chat with Rebecca to explore the story behind the business and her favourite foodie haunts around Woombye.

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Tell Us About the Inspiration Behind the Name

We named the business after our daughter, Frankie. She was six months old when we purchased the cafe.

How Did You Get Into the Hospitality Industry?

I've been in hospitality since the age of 14. I started waitressing at a well-known restaurant in the Barossa Valley and have stayed in the industry since. I moved from South Australia to Sydney and worked for some of the top chefs in Australia before I was poached to Queensland for work. After we'd had our daughter, I knew it was time to really step into the goal I'd been working towards for 15 years.

What's Your Go-To Coffee Order, and Do You Have a Trick for Making the Perfect Cup Every Time?

Double espresso all day, every day! Always back flush the machine before every espresso and long black – magic!

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What's the Perfect Pairing With a Morning Coffee From Your Menu?

Our house-made cakes and tarts are quite special, so I'd recommend our Biscoff tart or white chocolate matcha tart.

What Made You Choose to Open in the Area You're in Today?

The rural Sunny Coast lacked a cafe and bar with soul, so I wanted to make my mark on this small country town. I wanted to put Woombye on the hospitality map and make sure it's known for something more than just the Big Pineapple.

What Future Plans Do You Have in Store For Your Cafe?

I always have so many ideas – we're looking forward to launching something very cool in early 2025. It's a secret but everything will be revealed soon!

Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab Dinner or a Drink After Work?

I love Maiori Pizzeria. Sarah and Antonio have done a cracking job with their space. They're both from Sardinia, so you know the pizzas are as authentic as they come.

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What Are Some Other Local Small Businesses You Think People Should Support?

Little ol' Woombye is home to some of Australia's best produce and the people behind these spots deserve recognition. Beth and Simon of Woombye Cheese make some of the hands-down most delicious cheese in the country. We use their award-winning washed rind cheese on our menu and it's superb. Woombye Butchery is another local favourite, with Amanda and James being our meat supplier from the beginning and deserving a lot of credit.

What's Important For You When Choosing a Coffee Partner?

Choosing a coffee partner involves much more than just good-tasting coffee – although it doesn't hurt! I chose Toby's Estate because their communication was fast, honest and trustworthy. Not only is their equipment first-class, but they believed in us and wanted us to succeed from the start. I'm forever grateful to the Queensland team!

What's Your Favourite Toby's Estate Roast?

Woolloomooloo is my go-to roast. While the flavour is intense, the chocolate and butterscotch notes make it perfect for your everyday brew.

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Frankie's Woombye is the Toby's Estate Local Legends winner for QLD in 2024. For more information on it or other cafes that serve Toby's Estate, visit the website.

Published on December 02, 2024 by Hudson Brown
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