Not everyone likes to give presents on their own birthday, but KereKere Coffee are straight-up selfless legends. Celebrating their eighth birthday on March 11, KereKere Green and KereKere South will be giving away free coffee all day. All day. None of this 'first hundred people through the door' business. You could head there right now and nab a freeppucino.
Started as a coffee cart in 2007 at the University of Melbourne, KereKere was founded by entrepreneurial social worker James Murphy (not of LCD Soundsystem fame, but a total boss all the same). KereKere (named for the Fijian custom in which a relative or neighbour can request something that is needed and it must be willingly given with no expectation of repayment) quickly expanded into one of Melbourne's favourite coffee spots — from purpose-built kiosks in 2011 to its current locations in Southbank's Boyd Community Hub and Fitzroy Gardens Visitors Centre. Murphy just wants to give a little back to the community, often giving out freebies like this on a daily basis.
So, HB KK. Here's to another eight years of love in cups.
Find KereKere Green, on the corner of Clarendon Street and Wellington Parade in East Melbourne. Or find KereKere South at 207 City Road, Southbank.