Picture this: A cherished local café, buzzing with the aroma of fresh brews and the warmth of community connections, suddenly hits the market—not because of struggles, but because life's sweetest surprise is on the way. It's a heartwarming tale of growth, but one that leaves you wondering: Can pursuing your dreams and embracing family truly coexist without compromise?
Diving into the vibrant coffee culture of Glen Innes, the beloved spot known as The Coffee Incident has been a cornerstone for nearly six years. Now, it's officially up for sale, and the reason behind this shift is as joyful as it is poignant. Proprietor Holly Coldham, alongside her partner Tom, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child—a baby boy expected in mid-November.
But here's where it gets interesting: Balancing a thriving business with the pull of family life isn't always straightforward, and Holly's story might just challenge how we view career versus personal priorities.
"This choice feels incredibly bittersweet," Holly shared with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. "Running a café has been my lifelong career aspiration, weaving itself deeply into who I am and the fabric of my daily existence. Yet, the path forward was surprisingly clear-cut. Building a family has always topped my list of dreams, and I want to dedicate myself fully to that journey."
Holly's adventure with The Coffee Incident kicked off when she acquired the business from her previous employer, Chris Glennan, who had steered it for over seven years. "I spent about two years working under Chris during the café's later days," she explained. "After relocating to Toowoomba to deepen my knowledge in the hospitality world—a field that includes everything from hotel management to restaurant operations—I felt drawn back to my roots in Glen Innes. I approached Chris about buying the place, and from there, a new chapter unfolded."
Returning to a familiar setting, complete with a team she'd already bonded with and regulars who greeted her like an old friend, made the handover seamless and reassuring. "It was wonderful to reunite with people I knew well, and the established routines felt just right," she recalled. What began as a daring leap into entrepreneurship blossomed into a pivotal life experience, filled with early-riser shifts, shared chuckles, valuable insights, and a deepening affection for the surrounding community.
When Holly first took the reins, The Coffee Incident occupied a modest nook at 316 Grey Street, dishing out what she calls a "straightforward yet highly effective" selection of premium coffee, decadent cakes, and hearty toasties. Her stint in Toowoomba had ignited fresh inspirations, especially in the realm of presentation—think of it as the art of arranging food to make it visually appealing and enticing, much like a bakery's window display that draws in passersby.
"There, I was responsible for crafting all the sweet and savory items for their large showcase cabinet every morning," she shared. "I discovered the power of such a setup for attracting customers and boosting sales. So, my very first move as owner was to invest in one! I replicated that approach, packing as much variety as possible into the display, even though our space was tiny—we squeezed in creativity and made it thrive."
As demand surged, the café soon outgrew its cozy origins, prompting a relocation about two and a half years ago to a roomier spot at 191 Grey Street. "We were absolutely bursting at the capacity," Holly admitted. "The new location allowed us to introduce an all-day breakfast lineup, expand our cabinet offerings twofold, and triple our seating area. It's been a game-changer, giving us the freedom to innovate and expand, and our patrons are thrilled with the evolution."
When quizzed about what truly sets The Coffee Incident apart, Holly pointed straight to the human element. "It's genuinely the vibe we create. My crew is extraordinary—we're not just coworkers; we're more like a tight-knit group of friends, and that energy radiates to everyone who walks through the door. Sure, we pour top-notch coffee, curate delicious cabinet treats, and maintain a charming menu, but without the people, it's all just ingredients. Customers sense that genuine happiness, and it makes all the difference."
Of course, operating a bustling café wasn't without its hurdles, and Holly candidly acknowledged that entrepreneurship threw her some curveballs. "I was quite unprepared for the sheer toughness of owning a business," she confessed. "At just 24, I dove in without a full grasp of the complexities. I had to mature quickly, mastering every role from barista to manager, and tackling the financial and operational nuts and bolts from the ground up. It was exhausting and eye-opening!"
And this is the part most people miss: Those tough lessons have molded her into a supportive mentor, but it raises a question—should young entrepreneurs be shielded from such 'growing pains,' or do they build resilience?
That intense learning journey influences how she guides her team today. "Having struggled through it myself, I take immense pleasure in aiding others in their business ventures. Many of my staff have entrepreneurial spirits, running small side gigs—like freelance baking or pop-up events—that I encourage and sometimes team up with. Collaboration has become one of the highlights of my role here."
As Holly gears up to hand over the reins, she's enthusiastic about the untapped potential awaiting the next owner. "There's immense opportunity for expansion if someone brings fresh vigor," she noted. "With its liquor license in place, evening gatherings or events could inject new life into Glen Innes. The space is stylish and spacious, perfect for adding retail elements or broadening the menu—perhaps introducing specialty items like artisanal sandwiches or themed nights. The possibilities are endless and exciting."
When asked about what she'll cherish most in her memories, her response was immediate and heartfelt. "Definitely my team. They're an incredible bunch, unmatched in their dedication, enthusiasm, and positivity. The ambiance they foster is irreplaceable—that's the essence I'll long for."
For the time being, operations roll on as normal, with the signature smiles, piping-hot coffees, and sincere hospitality that have cemented The Coffee Incident's status as a neighborhood gem. "The café thrives on passion and focus," Holly emphasized. "It's a truly enchanting spot, and I believe there's someone out there who'll cherish it just as deeply as Chris and I have."
As she and Tom brace for the upcoming arrival of their son, Holly is eager to shift gears and immerse herself in this new phase. "If the sale goes through, I'll wholeheartedly embrace family life, devoting my full energy to home for a spell—handling the late-night feedings, the first giggles, and all the delightful mayhem of parenthood."
In her closing words, Holly extended a touching tribute to those who've backed her throughout. "Growing up in Glen Innes and returning to a café where I once worked gave me a solid foundation, thanks to our community's amazing encouragement of young locals chasing business dreams," she said. "The support I've received surpasses my wildest expectations. I was born and raised here, but owning a business truly taught me the depth of what community means. It's been a profound journey, and I'll forever be indebted."
The sale is handled by Country Wide Property Glen Innes, presenting a prime chance for a hospitality enthusiast to take charge of this flourishing, adored establishment. As Holly prepares for the whirlwind of new motherhood—think sleepless nights balanced by endless cuddles and milestone moments—Glen Innes will surely lift a mug in toast to fresh starts, tender goodbyes, and the enduring impact of a café forged on affection, java, and genuine bonds.
Now, here's a controversial angle to ponder: In an era where work-life balance is hotly debated, is Holly's choice to prioritize family over her beloved business a bold statement on modern priorities, or does it overlook the potential for 'having it all'? Do you agree that entrepreneurship demands sacrifice, or can we reshape careers around family needs? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think cafés like this one are irreplaceable pillars of community, or are they just businesses at the end of the day?
