So tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.   

I’m a joiner by trade—I’ve been doing that for 25 years. But about six or seven years ago, I started developing a real love for coffee. I began travelling interstate to explore different roasters, learning about single origins. I didn’t know anything about it at the time, but I got really into it

What inspired you to open The Local?

I always wanted to open a café that served great coffee, but also gave people a place to pause—somewhere they could spend 10 or 15 minutes of their day for themselves. A little moment of connection. So, I thought it would be a nice to have a place where your part of that moment that they’re spending during the day.

 

Why did you choose to open in Enfield?

My kids used to swim around the corner, and we’d been in the area a while. Every time we were here, the people were just incredible. So when we saw this space, my wife and I decided to take the risk and go for it. Since opening, the community has been amazing—people come in, and they greet you with warmth, talk about their families and weekends. It’s such a diverse mix, and that’s what makes it special.

 

What’s the story behind the name?

When I was a kid, I used to ride my bike to the local shop—the one where the lady would give us extra lollies and look out for us. That idea of ‘the local’ really stuck with me. When it came time to name this place, I kept thinking about that memory and how much I missed it. So we brought it back. Hence, The Local.

What can someone expect when they visit The Local?

First and foremost, really high-quality coffee. We chose a local, family-owned roaster—because we wanted our customers to experience coffee that they usually travel out of the area to get. We want people to walk out thinking, ‘I need to come back tomorrow

If there was one thing you want The Local to be known for, what would it be?

If I was to make it in one sentence, it’d be my local community hub, definitely.

 

What does the future look like for The Local?

We’re already talking with local schools about creating training opportunities for young people—giving them a skill they can use while they study. We’re also looking to expand, but with the same mindset: finding spaces that are genuinely local. Places where locals serve locals. That’s the heart of it.

 

Why did you choose to partner with The Alternative Dairy Co.?  

Every time I go to a café, I check to see if they use The Alternative. I’ve gone through phases—oat was my go-to—but I can always tell if it’s not The Alternative. There’s a distinct taste. And if it’s not The Alternative, I usually won’t order again. I’m fussy like that.

We also did taste tests with customers and regulars—they could tell the difference. The flavour and texture stood out. We’re proud to use high-quality milks, and even though our coffee is reasonably priced, we’ve found a way to balance accessibility with quality.

If you could have a coffee with anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Malcolm X. His journey, especially around faith and equality, is incredibly powerful. He went to the holiest place in Islam and saw people of all races standing side by side—and then returned to a world that still couldn’t see past race. That message—that there’s no place for racism—is something we still need to hear. I’d love to sit with him and talk about that.