Mikayla and Connor are at the Balranald Discovery Centre Cafe helm
By Kimberly Grabham - January 17, 2024
Mikayla and Connor are overjoyed at their new venture. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Kimberly Grabham.
The new managers of Discovery Café in Balranald, Mikayla Bax and partner Connor Westcombe, have opened the doors.
Aged 21 and 24 respectively, the courageous pair have decided to branch out for themselves, after Mikayla worked for the former owners for five years. Connor is an electrician, having recently left his job of six years to pursue the venture with Mikayla.
“I always loved working at the Discovery Cafe, and for Sue and Charlie,” Mikayla said. “And I always wanted to branch out on my own. So, when the opportunity arose, we mutually decided to have a go.
“We are just over the moon, from the time I started working for Charlie and Sue, I knew it was all I wanted to do.
Mikayla is a known and beloved local, and recently moved back to the town after living with Connor and their gorgeous baby Willow in Robinvale. The process of applying for the Discovery Café was very quick. The pair saw it advertised, applied, and then three weeks later got the phone call. Despite moving, and preparing the business for opening all in a short time, they were absolutely delighted.
Described by locals as a pocket rocket, Mikayla was baking up a storm of sweet treats before the pair opened the doors on December 22.
“It works out really well,” Mikayla said with a chuckle. “I love hospitality, and cooking, and Connor loves to eat my food.
“We have created our own menu, similar to a Melbourne style but modern, home cooking with a twist.
“The locals have been incredibly supportive, when they discovered we were taking over.
“They were delighted in being able to have coffee again.”
One can visit the Discovery Café and enjoy scintillating delights such as kale and apple salad with balsamic dressing, house made chunky steak and cheese pies, pesto pasta salad, beetroot and feta salad and more.
Call into the Discovery Café and say hi to these happy, friendly and amazing people, and enjoy the atmosphere and the wonderful service.
