A popular café in Grand Plaza shopping centre, Shingle Inn Grand Plaza, has just been named Franchisee of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The announcement was made at the prestigious Gala Dinner of the Shingle Inn Annual Franchisee Conference, held this year on Moreton Island. Representatives of the network’s 51 stores from across the country were present to discover new company initiatives and business motivation during multiple presentations made over three days.

Since franchisees Peter and Patsy Reddy opened the café in August 2011, it has become a popular meeting place for local friends and family members to connect among the café’s ambient décor.

“We had originally chosen Shingle Inn for its heritage and rich brand culture. Having won the Franchisee of the Award for consecutive two years, we feel like we are truly part of Shingle Inn’s history now,” Mr Reddy said.

“We are delighted to continue to welcome customers who are thrilled to discover many popular favourites from their childhood still on the menu, such as the original recipe for the famous decadent waffles, butter cakes and patty cakes, all made in Shingle Inn’s central bakery.”

Shingle Inn Grand Plaza was also one of a handful of stores to be awarded Platinum Club Status. This was awarded to only a handful of stores who are setting the benchmark across the network, by achieving and exceeding in systems and processes that has made Shingle Inn popular with generations of customers.

Mr Reddy said it was clear to him that the coffee industry in Australia is evolving and getting more competitive, as customers become more educated about quality coffee, which is made by a properly trained and professional Barista. Shingle Inn is very focused on ensuring baristas have the highest standard of ongoing training, to ensure they won’t be left behind in the industry, he said.

According to co-Director, Andrew Bellchambers, Shingle Inn Grand Plaza are extremely worthy recipients of the prestigious and coveted 2015 Franchisee of the Year Award.

“Peter and Patsy have always been enthusiastic in taking on new methods in technology and customer service. They also have the knack of selecting a fantastically talented and motivated team, and this combination generates the expected sales output.”

“It is also exciting to see our passionate Baristas constantly experimenting, and then sharing their knowledge, passion and commitment as part of the coffee industry with other Shingle Inn team members around the country via a specialised social media channel, which in turn helps the industry thrive and evolve.”

Mr Bellchambers said the future of Australia’s coffee industry relies on café owners, roasters, trainers and baristas to be educated and aware of new standards through quality training and being involved in the Australian coffee community.

“The Annual Franchisee of the Year Award reflects Shingle Inn Grand Plaza’s commitment to contributing to the entire coffee industry, whilst also consistently providing world-class, memorable service to customers. We all congratulate them on this impressive achievement.”

Strathpine residents will now be able to celebrate traditional Brisbane café history brought to life, through a café that was established and loved well before ‘coffee culture’ became trendy.

New franchisees Carrie and Ling Yang opened their doors just in time for local Strathpine residents searching for excellent coffee as the days cool down.

Ms Yang first discovered the Shingle Inn culture and quality when she joined the Shingle Inn team at the North Lakes café.

It was while she was employed here as a Supervisor that she began to appreciate Shingle Inn’s rich heritage as one of Brisbane’s most established cafes, with its roots amidst a backdrop of the Great Depression in Brisbane, nearly 80 years ago.

Ms Yang felt was so endeared to the charm of the café that she decided to acquire and manage her own Shingle Inn, providing excellent coffee and warm service to local residents of Strathpine.

“Shingle Inn’s family values were really appealing to me, because I feel supported while I am taking such a large step forward in my career to manage and own a business for the first time,” she said.

Shingle Inn café has recently opened its milestone 50^th café in Perth CBD, just a month before the Strathpine venue, taking the Shingle Inn heritage and values right across Australia.

Shingle Inn was originally opened on Edward Street, Brisbane, in the Autumn of 1936. Since December 2009, Shingle Inn has expanded to 50 stores across Australia, which included the high profile re-opening of the original store within Brisbane’s City Hall, as well as stores in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and Western Australia.

Now into its 79 year history, the café has only been owned by two families. The current custodian, the Bellchambers family, has owned it for 40 years.