Billy Button Eats: Brewing success with Newcastle coffee van
Are you a coffee aficionado with dreams of owning your own café? Look no further than Billy Button Eats for a dose of inspiration! Learn how Marion and co-owner Grace, the duo behind this charming coffee van, turned their passion into a thriving business.
Nestled against the brick wall of Planet Islington in Newcastle, Billy Button Eats opened its vintage 1950’s coffee caravan doors last year.
But how did Billy Button come to life? Enter the Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance Program—a lifeline for aspiring entrepreneurs like Marion.
“I always imagined working for myself. I was thinking maybe a bed & breakfast or a little café. So starting a coffee business like Billy Button, and having a funky caravan, which draws attention, is something in between. It’s easier than a bed of breakfast. And, I think more funky than a shop. So, that’s how I ended up here!” said Marion.
“When I found out about Self-Employment Assistance, I thought, you know what? That sounds brilliant! So Julian and I began working on a business plan on how to start a coffee van,” said Marion.
Next, Marion ran into Fruit Scoop queen Grace, who she knew from working at the markets, and the two decided to pursue their self-employment dreams together. Here, Billy Button Eats was born.
Both with young children, running their own business has given them the flexibility and freedom they need.
“We’ve created a great family-friendly space here, with working hours that suit our lives. I love working for myself and being my own boss!”
More than just coffee
Billy Button Eats packs more than just aesthetically pleasing coffee. Marion and Grace serve up homemade delights that tantalise taste buds. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
Toasted Jaffles: From pickled fennel with spicy beetroot relish to the classic tinned spaghetti and cheese, these jaffles are comfort food with a twist.
Fruit Scoops: Grace’s creation, the Fruit Scoop, is a delightful bowl of frozen fresh fruit, with toasted coconut and chia seeds. Vegan, gluten-free, and utterly delicious!
Spicy Chai and PNG Coffee: The coffee beans hail from Papua New Guinea and are roasted sustainably by Ethica. While the spicy chai is lovingly crafted in Bellingen.
Poffertjes: Marion’s mini-Dutch pancakes come with a variety of toppings—homemade caramel sauce, passionfruit curd, or classic maple syrup. A little indulgence never hurt anyone!
Do you want to start a coffee van too? Here are five great tips!
Dreaming of starting a cafe but want more flexibility? Starting a coffee van might be your calling. Here’s how to kickstart your caffeinated adventure and follow in Billy Button’s footsteps:
Craft your vision: Define your unique selling proposition. What sets your coffee business apart? Let your vision guide you, whether it’s specialty blends, cozy ambience, or innovative food pairings.
Location matters: Just like Billy Button Eats found its sweet spot along a bustling Newcastle road, choose a strategic location. Consider foot traffic, nearby competitors, and community vibes.
Legal essentials: Register your business, obtain necessary licenses, and comply with health and safety regulations. Billy Button Eats nailed this step, and you can too!
Quality beans: Invest in top-notch coffee beans. Source sustainable, roast to perfection, and create signature blends that keep customers coming back.
Menu magic: Billy Button Eats’ jaffles, fruit scoops, and spicy chai are delicious, unique and widely loved by patrons. Craft a menu that reflects your personality and caters to diverse tastes.
Self-Employment Assistance: Fueling dream to start a coffee shop
The program allowed Marion to turn her business idea into a viable reality. Here’s how it assisted her:
Flexible support: Self-Employment Assistance, delivered by ETC, tailors its services to meet the unique needs of each business. From exploring self-employment workshops to business plan development, it’s a comprehensive toolkit.
Small Business Coaching: Over 12 months, Marion received guidance to optimise her business operations and achieve financial sustainability. She also benefited from financial assistance while establishing and managing Billy Button Eats. This lifeline ensured they could focus on their passion without worrying about the economic strain.
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible, you must have a business concept that meets the criteria or an existing small business that needs support. Marion’s vision aligned perfectly with the program’s requirements. If you’re thinking of starting a coffee van or any business, Enquire Today >
Next time you’re looking for a coffee van in Newcastle, follow the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to Billy Button Eats. Sip, savour, and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. Because behind every cup of coffee lies a story—a story of dreams, resilience, and the magic of community.
Are you ready to reach your self-employment and business goals?
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