The aim of cafe principal Dave Menzies was to create a business that would provide a service for local clientele and also attract people to come off the Olympic Highway and into the township on weekends.

He wanted to cater to the growing tourism traffic that was visiting the region to climb The Rock hill reserve or look at the military memorabilia in the main street.

For him entering the upcoming Lockhart Shire Council 2018 business awards will be an ideal opportunity to showcase just how far the cafe known as Syvier’s Coffee House has come in four years.

And it wasn’t just about his own business. He said it was an ideal platform to promote the town, it’s attractions and the shire.

Mr Menzies initially started out with the idea of running a cafe. But he has diversified into takeaway including hot chickens and fish and chips.

The business took on his grandfather’s namesake. This man, Syvier, had a cafe in The Rock more than 80 years ago. 

“We are open every day … and I put in 11-hour days,” he said. 

Mr Menzies said having signage on the highway had been a big help and it was encouraging to have people break up their journey, come into The Rock and enjoy a coffee. 

Weekend traffic was often determined by the climatic conditions. If it was an ideal weekend to climb The Rock hill reserve then things were likely to be busy.

And grey nomad traffic was also growing in the shire too. It wasn’t uncommon to see caravans and motor homes parked at The Rock footy ground or further down the road at the Tootool rest area. 

Despite the positive aspects of the business Mr Menzies said it hadn’t necessarily been an easy start over the past four years but he was pleased with how things were going now. 

“It is really not just a cafe,” he said.

On Fridays Syvier’s helps out with the town’s meals on wheels program and cooks fish and chips. To keep the momentum going days off for Mr Menzies have been a rarity.

In fact, he has had eight days off in the past year. Community support has played a big role in the success of the cafe. And for those who enjoy history the walls are adorned with historic images donated from the late John Condon’s collection.

Farming and harvest photos and other images from years gone by can be found. 

Categories in the business awards include:

Entries opened on February 1 and close on March 16 and details can be found at www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au/business-investment/business-awards

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