After nearly six years at the heart of Glen Innes\u2019s coffee scene, much-loved local caf\u00e9 The Coffee Incident has officially gone on the market, and for the happiest of reasons. Owner Holly Coldhamand her partner, Tom, are preparing to welcome their first child, a baby boy due in mid-November.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very bittersweet decision,\u201d Holly said. \u201cOwning a caf\u00e9 was always the career dream for me, and it\u2019s definitely been a huge part of my identity and my life. But at the same time, the decision was also easy. I\u2019ve wanted to have a family my whole entire life. It\u2019s always been my priority to do that and do it properly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holly\u2019s journey with The Coffee Incident began when she purchased the business from her former boss, Chris Glennan, who had owned it for more than seven years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked for Chris for a couple of years toward the end of his time with the caf\u00e9,\u201d said Holly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter moving to Toowoomba to learn more about the hospitality industry, I realised I wanted to move home and start something of my own in Glen Innes. I asked Chris if he\u2019d be interested in selling me his business, and the rest is history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coming home to familiar faces and familiar systems made the transition feel natural.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was so great coming back to a team I already knew, along with customers who knew me too. It all just made sense,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
What started as a bold step into business ownership quickly became a defining chapter in her life. One filled with early mornings, laughter, lessons, and an ever-growing love for her community.<\/p>\n
When Holly took over, The Coffee Incident was tucked into a small space at 316 Grey Street, serving up what she described as a \u201csimple and effective\u201d menu of great coffee, cakes, and toasties. But her time in Toowoomba had sparked new ideas, particularly around the art of presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cUp there, I was the person who prepared all of the sweets and savouries for their big display cabinet each day,\u201d she said. \u201cI learnt the value of a cabinet, so the first thing I did when I took over was buy one! I mimicked what I\u2019d seen there by offering as much as I could through that display, the space was so small, but we made it work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eventually, the caf\u00e9 outgrew its cosy beginnings, and about 2.5 years ago, Holly and her team moved to 191 Grey Street.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were bursting at the seams,\u201d said Holly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new space meant we could finally offer an all-day breakfast menu, double the size of our cabinet, and probably triple our dining area. It\u2019s been such a welcome change \u2013 so much room to experiment and grow, and our customers absolutely love it.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked what she believes makes The Coffee Incident stand out, Holly said it\u2019s all about the people behind the cabhinet. <\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, our atmosphere is what makes us different. My team is so special. We serve up beautiful coffee, cabinet snacks, and a lovely menu, but none of that would mean anything without the people. We\u2019re more like a friendship group than colleagues, and customers can really feel that joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Running a busy caf\u00e9 came with its challenges, of course, and Holly admitted the reality of business ownership was an eye-opener.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very na\u00efve about how difficult it is to run a business,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was 24 when I took over, which was a really young age to take on something I didn\u2019t fully understand. I had to grow up quickly, learn every position in the caf\u00e9, and then get my head around the business side of things from scratch. It took the wind out of me!\u201d<\/p>\n
That steep learning curve has shaped the way she now mentors her own team. \u201cBecause I found that so challenging myself, I really love helping others with their budding businesses. My team are entrepreneurs at heart, a lot of them have little side hustles that I like to support or collaborate with. Collaborating in general has become one of my favourite parts of this job.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she prepares to pass the torch, Holly hopes the next owner will see the potential that still lies ahead for The Coffee Incident.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so much room for growth if someone\u2019s willing to put in the energy,\u201d she said. \u201cThe venue is licensed, so more night events would be amazing for Glen Innes. It\u2019s such a big, aesthetic space that could also lend itself to retail or an extended menu. There are so many directions it could go.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked what she\u2019ll miss the most, the answer came easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy team,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re such a beautiful group of people, and you couldn\u2019t match their work ethic, energy, or joy anywhere. The atmosphere they create is truly special \u2013 that\u2019s definitely what I\u2019ll miss most.\u201d<\/p>\n
For now, business continues as usual, with the same warm smiles, steaming coffee, and heartfelt service that have made The Coffee Incident a local favourite.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe caf\u00e9 deserves energy and attention,\u201d Holly said. \u201cIt\u2019s a magical place, and I think there\u2019s someone out there who will love it as much as Chris did and as much as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she and Tom prepare for the arrival of their baby boy, Holly is looking forward to taking a step back and fully embracing the next chapter of her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m able to sell the caf\u00e9 and completely lean into family life, that\u2019s exactly what I\u2019ll be looking forward to, just giving my undivided attention to home for a while,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Before she signs off, Holly has a heartfelt message for the people who\u2019ve supported her from day one.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing a local girl coming back to a caf\u00e9 I once worked at helped me find my feet because our community is so supportive of young people giving business a go,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support I\u2019ve received over the years has been beyond anything I could\u2019ve anticipated. I grew up in Glen Innes, but I didn\u2019t truly understand the meaning of community until I owned a business here. It\u2019s been an incredible experience, and I\u2019ll always be so grateful for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sale of The Coffee Incident is being managed by Country Wide Property Glen Innes, offering an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for hospitality to take the reins of a thriving, well-loved local business.<\/p>\n
As Holly prepares for the sleepless nights and sweet chaos of new motherhood, Glen Innes will no doubt raise a coffee cup in celebration, to new beginnings, fond farewells, and the lasting legacy of a caf\u00e9 built on love, caffeine, and connection.<\/p>\n