New Lake Heights Cafe Bliss and Bean Finds Early Success with Locals
A vibrant new cafe has opened its doors in Lake Heights, bringing a fresh dining option to the suburban area. Bliss and Bean celebrated its launch with an arch of blue and white balloons, symbolising the cheerful atmosphere owners hope to cultivate.
Inspired by Local Insight and Community Potential
The cafe is a collaborative venture between owner Mainul Hasan, who also runs Nadia's Cafe in Wollongong Central, and manager Sandy Srbinovski. The idea emerged from discussions about a promising spot in Lake Heights, where Srbinovski is a local resident.
"She mentioned there was a nice little spot we could consider, so I suggested we go explore the place," Hasan explained. "We visited and saw it was a suburban area, but we believed it had potential if we dedicated time and effort. I agreed to the venture just over six months ago."
Positive Reception and Future Growth Plans
Since opening on January 21, the cafe has enjoyed a very good reception from the community. Hasan noted that locals have shown tremendous support, offering appreciation and positive feedback that has been inspiring for the team.
On a recent Friday morning, the cafe buzzed with activity as people chatted and coffee machines whirred. The long-term vision is for Bliss and Bean to grow and become a beloved local institution.
"We want to share our love here and spread love," Hasan said. "I believe in a small suburb, if you spread love, the community will give you love as well."
Menu Offerings and Key Customer Base
In the coming weeks, the cafe plans to roll out its lunch menu to complement the breakfast options. A $12 bacon and egg roll and coffee combo has already proven popular with locals, particularly attracting an important customer segment.
"Most of our early customers are tradies," Hasan observed. "We open at 6 am, and we've seen quite a few cars stopping here already."
During a visit to the cafe, a woman approached the till to tell Srbinovski she planned to return—exactly the kind of regular patronage Hasan hopes to build.
Filling a Gap in the Local Landscape
Hasan emphasised that Bliss and Bean aims to become a daily destination for Lake Heights residents, filling a gap in the area's offerings.
"There's not much around here except the Warrawong Plaza," he noted. "I think this is a little place for the local Lake Heights people to come here, have a cup of coffee, meet friends and family, and hold meetings."
The cafe's early success suggests it is well on its way to becoming a cherished community hub, combining quality food and drink with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
