By Jillian Goh
In Hendra’s early mornings, when only horses and cyclers are out and about, Coffee Coffee Coffee is open for business. One man can be seen behind the counter – owner Matthew Avsenev.
Before this latest venture, he was an engineer that worked with Formula 1 cars and had run five Brisbane Subway branches.
Quaint and cozy, the cafe has a little nook with a small library and sofas, as well as a garden area.
“Sometimes people just come in to sit and read, even if they’re not buying anything,” Mr Avsenev said.
The portions of coffee are generous and the brew is Mr Avsenev’s very own blend, roasted locally at Hendra’s Wolff Coffee Roasters.
Though soy usually lightens the flavour of mocha, the soy mocha I tried retained the depth and sweetness of a typical mocha. The cafe also makes a great iced latte; strong, flavourful, and smooth.
The Butter Chicken Fillo was savoury-sweet and crumbly, while the Apple Crumble was perfectly crunchy with a side of whipped cream drizzled with chocolate syrup. Perhaps too decadent for breakfast, but worth the calories.
But even more impressive than the menu is Mr Avsenev’s devotion to the cafe.
When I visited, he had a working streak of 490 days, having only taken a single day off.
“I’m aiming for 500,” he said.
And as of this issue, he has just hit this brand-new milestone.
Open from 4:30am – 1pm on weekdays and until 11am on weekends, Coffee Coffee Coffee is a must-try for early risers and coffee lovers.
Photo Caption: Matthew Avsenev behind the counter