The much-loved Gumnut Café has again changed hands, with patrons welcoming another local family into the fold.
Owners Jayanne and Leon Jackson, who revived the café in April 2024, handed over the bustling business to Brilea Moore and Ronnie Hertel on 9 September.
“I’ve been wanting to do something for a while to kickstart our own business,” said 29-year-old Brilea.
“An opportunity arose a couple of months ago but it fell through.
“Then Jayanne wanted to move on so it all fell into place.”
Brilea joined the staff at the Gumnut earlier this year but has a long track record in hospitality.
“I’ve always loved food,” she said.
“I love eating it and I love making it.
“It really started at school and then I worked at Bakers Delight in Dubbo for quite a while.”
Brilea lived in Coonamble until she was four or five years old, and returned permanently as an adult in 2012, when she met Ronnie.
They now have three children – Ivie, Tommy and Xanthe – and are well settled amongst an increasing number of young families in the district.
She says the Gumnut adventure is definitely a family affair, and partner Ronnie and the kids are excited and helpful.
“They love it,” she said.
“We do all our own baking for the cafe.
“Ronnie has always cooked meals at home but now he’s into the baking as well.
“He’s been making slice, quiche, brownies and cakes.”
Opening hours are currently from 9am to 4pm (Monday to Friday), to 8pm on Fridays and from 8.30 to 2pm on Saturdays.
This makes the Gumnut Café a destination for older residents, as well as a stream of travellers, and the after-school rush has returned..
While coffees and shakes walk out the door all day long, including Biscoff and Oreo thickshakes, the ‘pash n shoot’ juice is rising in popularity and there have been calls for Brilea to bring back the special lemon squash beloved by generations of local residents.
The warmer weather means a shift from burgers and hot meals to the fresh salads and rolls.
“At the moment I’m still getting my head around the business side of things but I’ve got a few new ideas in the making,” said Brilea.
“I’d like to do harvest food and a lot more catering.
“I’m also thinking about serving to cars at the back gate, because we struggle for parking in the main street, but I’ll have to do some research on that.”
She says getting supplies is made easy by Swannys Foods and the local supermarkets.
“I really like supporting other local businesses.”
So far staffing hasn’t been a major problem, with Rebecca Janisen, Danielle McHugh and new arrival Gracie Weyer still on the team.
However Brilea says they could use another hand or two and will be recruiting in the coming weeks.
“Ronnie’s been filling in when I need him but that won’t work when harvest comes so I’ll be looking for extra people.
“So far it’s all going well.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it thrive.
“I’m happy to be able to keep the Gumnut open and keep serving the locals.”