A beloved Glen Innes coffee shop, The Coffee Incident, is up for sale, and the reason behind it might just melt your heart – but it also sparks a bigger question about work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Owner Holly Coldham and her partner, Tom, are expecting their first child! After nearly six years of pouring her heart (and expertly brewed coffee) into the local scene, Holly is ready to embrace motherhood.
"It's a very bittersweet decision," Holly confesses. "Owning a café was always my dream, a huge part of who I am. But becoming a mom has always been my top priority. It's time to do that properly." This highlights a universal struggle: how do we reconcile our professional ambitions with our personal desires, especially when starting a family?
Holly’s journey with The Coffee Incident began when she purchased the business from her former boss, Chris Glennan, who had nurtured it for over seven years. Before taking over, Holly gained valuable experience by working for Chris for a couple of years. Seeking to expand her knowledge in the hospitality industry, she ventured to Toowoomba. It was there that the idea of owning something of her own in Glen Innes took root. Upon returning home, she inquired about the possibility of buying the business from Chris, and the rest, as they say, is history. This seamless transition back to familiar surroundings played a crucial role in her success. The familiar faces of her former team and loyal customers made the whole process feel incredibly natural.
What began as a daring leap into business ownership blossomed into a defining chapter of her life. It was a period characterized by early mornings, infectious laughter, valuable lessons, and an ever-deepening connection with the Glen Innes community.
Initially, The Coffee Incident occupied a cozy spot at 316 Grey Street, offering a "simple and effective" menu centered around excellent coffee, delectable cakes, and satisfying toasties. However, Holly's time in Toowoomba had ignited a passion for presentation. "I was in charge of preparing all the sweets and savories for the display cabinet each day," she recalls. "I realized the importance of a beautiful display, so the first thing I did was buy one! I tried to replicate what I'd seen there as much as possible, even though the space was tiny. We made it work!" This demonstrates how prior experience, even in seemingly unrelated tasks, can significantly inform a business's evolution.
Eventually, the café outgrew its humble beginnings. About two and a half years ago, Holly and her team relocated to a larger space at 191 Grey Street. "We were bursting at the seams," Holly explained. This expansion allowed them to finally introduce an all-day breakfast menu, double the size of their display cabinet, and triple their dining area. This move proved to be a game-changer, providing ample space for experimentation and growth, much to the delight of their customers. The move highlights the importance of adapting and scaling a business to meet evolving customer needs, but here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that moving to a bigger space can dilute the original charm and atmosphere of a small, beloved café.
When asked about what makes The Coffee Incident unique, Holly emphasizes the importance of the people behind the counter. "Honestly, it's our atmosphere. My team is so special. We serve great coffee, snacks, and tasty food, but it wouldn't mean anything without the people. We're more like a family than colleagues, and customers can feel that." This emphasizes the crucial role of creating a positive and supportive work environment, a factor often overlooked in the pursuit of profits.
Running a busy café wasn't without its challenges. Holly admits that the reality of business ownership was an eye-opening experience. "I was very naive about how difficult it is to run a business," she said candidly. "I was 24 when I took over, which was really young to take on something I didn't fully understand. I had to grow up quickly, learn every position in the café, and then get my head around the business side of things from scratch. It took the wind out of me!" And this is the part most people miss: many aspiring entrepreneurs underestimate the sheer amount of hard work, dedication, and resilience required to succeed.
That steep learning curve has shaped the way she now mentors her own team. "Because I found that so challenging myself, I really love helping others with their budding businesses. My team are entrepreneurs at heart, a lot of them have little side hustles that I like to support or collaborate with. Collaborating in general has become one of my favorite parts of this job." This highlights the importance of mentorship and fostering a supportive environment for employees to pursue their own entrepreneurial passions.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Holly hopes the next owner will recognize the untapped potential of The Coffee Incident. "There's so much room for growth if someone's willing to put in the energy," she said. "The venue is licensed, so more night events would be amazing for Glen Innes. It's such a big, aesthetic space that could also lend itself to retail or an extended menu. There are so many directions it could go."
When asked what she'll miss the most, the answer comes immediately. "My team," she says. "They're such a beautiful group of people, and you couldn't match their work ethic, energy, or joy anywhere. The atmosphere they create is truly special – that's definitely what I'll miss most." This reinforces the idea that a business is more than just a product or service; it's about the people who bring it to life.
For now, business continues as usual, filled with warm smiles, steaming coffee, and genuine service that has made The Coffee Incident a local treasure. "The café deserves energy and attention," Holly said. "It's a magical place, and I think there's someone out there who will love it as much as Chris did and as much as I do."
As she and Tom eagerly await the arrival of their baby boy, Holly looks forward to stepping back and fully embracing the next chapter of her life. "If I'm able to sell the café and completely lean into family life, that's exactly what I'll be looking forward to, just giving my undivided attention to home for a while," she said. This reflects the universal desire to prioritize family and find a fulfilling balance between work and personal life.
Before signing off, Holly shares a heartfelt message for the community that has supported her from the beginning. "Being a local girl coming back to a café I once worked at helped me find my feet because our community is so supportive of young people giving business a go," she said. "The support I've received over the years has been beyond anything I could've anticipated. I grew up in Glen Innes, but I didn't truly understand the meaning of community until I owned a business here. It's been an incredible experience, and I'll always be so grateful for it." This underscores the importance of local support and the deep connections that can be forged through business ownership.
The sale of The Coffee Incident is being managed by Country Wide Property Glen Innes, presenting a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for hospitality to take the reins of a thriving and well-loved local business.
As Holly prepares for the sleepless nights and sweet chaos of new motherhood, Glen Innes will undoubtedly raise a coffee cup in celebration, to new beginnings, fond farewells, and the enduring legacy of a café built on love, caffeine, and community.
So, what do you think? Is Holly making the right decision to sell her beloved café and focus on family? Or is there a way to have it all? What are your thoughts on balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood? Share your opinions in the comments below!
