Tell us a bit about yourself/yourselves and your business; what sets it apart from the rest?

Capeaccino Crew is a mobile coffee van located in the mining and tourist town of Weipa. Weipa is on the west coast of Cape York, famous for its fishing, camping, 4WD and bauxite. Capeaccino Crew has been in Weipa for 8 strong years, I have been working on the van for 6 years and have owned it for the last 3. Our local community is our bread and butter. Starting in the centre of town at 5am, we are here for all workers' caffeine needs, from miners, to school teachers and hospital staff. During the tourist season, with a long drive to see “The Tip” (most northern point of Australian mainland) a quick re-fuel and grocery shop in Weipa is finished off with “the best coffee in the Cape”.

Favourite White Whale blend?

Beach House Blend never fails. Smooth to have as an espresso (my coffee of choice) and pairs beautifully with milk for a sweet caramel finish.

What do you like most about working with White Whale?

Capeaccino Crew has worked with White Whale ever since we started trading 8 years ago. I can rely on White Whale as they source the best beans, roast the best coffee and deliver it to me in Weipa. Living remote has its challenges, with a 9 hour dirt road (which is closed during the wet season), or a 3 day ferry for goods to be delivered, but White Whale ensure my order is ready to go every week. Everything White Whale stands for is extremely important to me, and knowing that I play a small part in reef restoration is just fantastic. Watching White Whale grow and go strength to strength over the years has been incredible to watch and I am very proud to be a part of the White Whale family.

What do you find to be the most difficult and most rewarding parts about working in the hospitality industry?

The most rewarding part is the people - nothing better than making people's day with a smile and the perfect brew. The most difficult part is time. In order to grow I have to take a step back from the day to day service, away from the people that I love seeing every day. I need more time spent in the background improving, developing and maybe even expanding the business. But, when you're on “the shop floor” constantly, you run out of time.

When you’re not at work, what do you most enjoy doing with your free time?

Weipa is a fantastic off the grid, fishing, camping and 4WD town. Every weekend without fail I’ll be out and about, whether that’s on a boat, in a tent or on the buggy with my partner and our three dogs.

What plans do you have for your business in the future?

Capeaccino Crew is a much loved and loyal business here in Weipa, I would love to see it go from strength to strength. The introduction of a trailer would be ideal, we are always on the move so something a little more stationary would be easier for customers to find\. Something over looking the water perhaps?