Although the pandemic hasn’t made things easy for the food and retail industry, a family-owned neighbourhood shop on Kedron Park Road, has grown against the odds. Managed by mother and daughter pair Julie and Meg Hopkins, Coddle & Co has moved to a new site in Wooloowin and expanded their business.
Coddle & Co now sits just across the road from their old home. After the pair saw the opportunity to take on a bigger site, it didn’t take long for them to push through with the expansion.
Coddle & Co is a cafe specializing in homemade cakes and delightful brunches but it’s also a gift shop and a garden store all rolled into one.
The new space, which opened at the end of August, is double their old size and has enabled Julie and Meg to expand their community library. It now has a dedicated reading space and a larger display of their lifestyle items for sale.
“Coming into our shop is an extension of visiting our home,” the pair said. “Careful selection of beautiful plants and affordable gifts means a visit to Coddle and Co. is a fulfillment of the senses. Everything in the store can be beautifully gift wrapped for no extra charge.”
Julie said that neighbourhood stores and suburban cafes are reviving and thriving in this pandemic because shoppers don’t want to be in shopping centres. People who work from home enjoy a break of coffee and cakes at uncrowded local village shops.
Coddle & Co also hasn’t had any problems with social distancing customers, who obligingly line up for their takeaways. The store has also introduced a range of breakfast items to go from BRKFST.
For trading hours and store updates, follow the shop’s Facebook page. The cafe is on the Skip App for ordering in advance to collect at their coffee window.
We love everything about Coddle & Co from the amazing gifts on offer, perfectly brewed coffee and delicious treats too. Most of all, we love sharing our morning with a welcome smile and lovely chat from Meg and Jules.
Cassie Mathewson, Facebook
Those ladies really know how to make a coffee! Along with a wonderful plethora of knick-knacks and beautiful trinkets for your viewing or purchasing pleasure. It even has a community library so you can take/leave books at your own disclosure! And don’t even get me started on the toasted sandwiches…How can someone make a simple toasted Ham & Cheese taste so bloody fantastic!
Cory Sillence, Google Reviews
I stop here almost every Monday for a coffee and a quick bite and to do some work. Consistently delicious coffee, warm and welcoming faces and delicious toasties! Their gifts also make it easy to shop for friends’ birthdays.
Gamze Berberoğlu, Google Reviews
