The Local Pour - Daisies Cottesloe - The Alternative Dairy Co.

 


Daisies is the place to be seen on a sunny morning in Cottesloe, while relaxing on the lawn.

Tell us a bit about your café? Why should someone come and experience your café over others in the area?

We make some of the best coffee in Cottesloe using beans sourced from Dukes Coffee Roasters, alongside Perth’s best sausage rolls and smashed avocado on toast with meredith feta and chilli dukkah served with house made chilli jam.

How do you align yourself to the local area?

When we set up Daisies, we positioned ourselves in the heart of the community. We have supported several community organisations including local football clubs, surf clubs and most recently we have formalised a long-term relationship with a non for profit called Ocean Heroes, which provides children with Autism the thrill of catching a wave.

https://www.daisies.net.au/community

What are you known for?

We are known for having friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome. We have an almost cult like following. We are best known for our homemade sausage rolls, muffins, avocado on toast and most recently our acai bowls.

https://www.theurbanlist.com/perth/a-list/best-cafes-cottesloe

 

 

Tell us something people don’t know about you or the café?

In year six I got my first job at Daisies. I used to fill up the drink’s fridges every Monday afternoon for 2 hours and got paid $5. I remember during the school holidays I didn’t turn up to work because it was the school holidays. I didn’t have a job after that. 20 years later we ended up purchasing Daisies. So, you could say we did the full circle.

https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/why-theres-still-life-in-perths-corner-stores-ng-b88717669z

Owning a café is a very popular dream for many people. Was it always your dream?

Food has always been a passion of mine. Before this I use to be in the corporate world, working your standard 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. I found myself thinking that I needed a job which I enjoyed, so I started looking at getting into the hospitality industry and was lucky enough to find Daisies for sale on Gumtree.

Has it lived up to your dream?

It has been an absolute adventure. It has introduced me to some amazing people, whiles dealing with the challenges of owning your own business, especially the past 18 months. If you asked my six years ago, would we own two cafes and employee 40 people I would have laughed.

 

What’s been the biggest challenge?

I think the biggest challenge is the unknown. You can have your day planned out, but suddenly something happens like the cool room breaks, you forced into lockdown, and you have create a plan of attack, whiles still serving customers. You must be very good at thinking on your feet.

What would be your advice to others thinking about jumping in to setting up a café?

I get this one all the time. I would go and work in a café for 6 months, work 50 hours a week, doing the open and closes, working weekends, and make sure you enjoy dealing with people. I think a lot of people think owning a café is glamorous job. Trust me it’s not.

What did you do before owning a café?

Before owning a café, I studied Human Resource and Management and then spent 4 years working in the mining industry as Human Resource Advisor doing fly in fly out. I think the experience I got from doing that job is the reason why we are so successful.


If
 you didn’t own a café, what would you be doing now?

I think you would still find me working in the mining industry, hopefully not doing fly in fly out.

What’s your favourite dairy free milk type?

Almond

Have you noticed your customers becoming more knowledgeable in food and beverage choices?

I think people have a much better understand for quality now. Even over the past 6 years we have noticed a change in peoples buying habits.

Have you noticed a distinct shift towards plant-based?

The change has been crazy. When we first started, I would say only about 10% of all orders where plant-based milks and mostly soy. Most recently we have seen a massive change to around 50% of all orders being plant based.

How do you think ADC performs?

We have used a range of different plant-based milks. Our baristas love using ADC. It doesn’t split, has a great taste, and allows our baristas to perform latte art.

How important is it to buy locally, buy Australian? Why?

Buying local is extremely important to us. Not only does it keep jobs local, but it also reduces the carbon footprint.