A bittersweet chapter is closing for The Coffee Incident, a beloved Glen Innes café, as its owner, Holly Coldham, prepares for a new arrival: a baby boy! After nearly six years of brewing success, the café is officially on the market, and it's a story of both joy and reflection. But what makes this story so captivating? Let's dive in.
Holly's journey began when she purchased the business from her former boss, Chris Glennan. She had a vision, and after learning more about the hospitality industry in Toowoomba, she decided to return home and start something of her own. "It's a very bittersweet decision," Holly shared, highlighting the emotional weight of her choice. "Owning a café was always the career dream for me, and it’s definitely been a huge part of my identity and my life. But at the same time, the decision was also easy. I’ve wanted to have a family my whole entire life. It’s always been my priority to do that and do it properly.”
Returning to Glen Innes, Holly found comfort in familiar faces and systems. This made the transition feel natural. "It was so great coming back to a team I already knew, along with customers who knew me too. It all just made sense," she said. The Coffee Incident quickly became a defining chapter in her life, filled with early mornings, laughter, and an ever-growing love for her community.
Initially, the café operated from a small space at 316 Grey Street. Holly's time in Toowoomba had sparked new ideas, especially regarding presentation. She then decided to buy a display cabinet to enhance the visual appeal of the offerings. Eventually, the café outgrew its cozy beginnings, and the team moved to 191 Grey Street. This expansion allowed for an all-day breakfast menu and a larger dining area, which customers loved.
But here's where it gets controversial... Holly believes the café's atmosphere is what truly sets it apart. The team is more like a friendship group, and customers can feel that joy. However, running a busy café came with its challenges. Holly admitted she was naive about the difficulties of business ownership at 24. She had to learn every position and the business side of things from scratch. This experience has shaped her approach to mentoring her team. She supports their side hustles and encourages collaboration.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Holly hopes the next owner will see the potential for growth. The venue is licensed, offering opportunities for night events, retail, or an extended menu. She will miss her team the most. "They’re such a beautiful group of people, and you couldn’t match their work ethic, energy, or joy anywhere. The atmosphere they create is truly special – that’s definitely what I’ll miss most,” she said.
For now, business continues as usual, with the same warm smiles and heartfelt service. Holly believes there's someone out there who will love The Coffee Incident as much as she does. As she and Tom prepare for their baby boy, Holly is looking forward to family life.
Before signing off, Holly has a heartfelt message for the community. She grew up in Glen Innes but didn’t truly understand the meaning of community until she owned a business there. The support she received over the years was beyond anything she could have anticipated. The sale of The Coffee Incident, managed by Country Wide Property Glen Innes, presents an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for hospitality.
And this is the part most people miss... The legacy of The Coffee Incident is built on love, caffeine, and connection. As Glen Innes celebrates new beginnings, fond farewells, and the lasting impact of this café, the community will no doubt raise a coffee cup in celebration.
What do you think? Do you agree that the atmosphere is the most important part of a café? What other factors do you think contribute to a café's success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
