This humble little haven might look unassuming from the outside, but once you step out back, the fan favourite café churns out one of West End’s most highly coveted all day menus and delectable house baked treats. While only new to Brisbane’s competitive café scene, opening in December 2018, this quirky, character filled spot has quickly cemented itself as a West End classic.
The café is the product of West End locals, business trio Ash Daniec, Gabi Klein and Paul Zanetti and their ethos is simple: wholesome food, carefree vibes, with a feeling like it’s always the weekend. “It’s a place for the community where everyone can wind down; it’s very relaxed and you can switch off from the daily grind and ease into the day,” said Daniec.
The idea for this café originally stemmed from the groups’ other business success story, SoBa. The boutique fitness studio owned and operated by Daniec and Klein offer a variety of exercise classes including pilates, barre, yoga and workshops, all nestled inside a heritage-listed 1940s Queenslander. Daniec’s partner, Zanetti, a hospitality veteran, joined the dynamic business duo when they decided to expand the brand into uncharted territory. “We had this space out the back and I always envisioned holding events, engagement parties and celebrations,” Daniec said.
One thing led to another and with that, SoBa Social was born. SoBa Social screams all things garden paradise, with nets of fairy lights overlooking the grassy outdoor setting and who could forget the myriad of succulents and cacti that line the backyard space. “Paul is a massive succulent and cacti lover; so much care flows into this garden ,” Daniec shares. When it comes to the menu, Zanetti prides himself on following the same philosophy that SoBa Social was founded on. “I try not to over complicate things — I try to use stimulating, quality produce. That’s a really big thing for us, doing good food, really well,” Zanetti said. A true testament to this philosophy lies in their loyal customers who return regularly for coffee and the café’s `world famous’ (in West End) daily house made baked treats.
Having now all settled in West End, calling it home, the three pride themselves on creating a café that is indicative of the 4101 lifestyle. “We try to live in the moment, soaking up all life’s little pleasures, which is on display in our café,” states Daniec. Whether it be their popular Morning Glory Bowl or their Organic Mushies, the SoBa Social trinity is all about supplying good vibes and good food. “We want to leave people feeling good, so if we can do that by filling people’s stomachs and souls we are happy.”
