Professionals Serendipity 
Rachel Maley owns the Wild Plum Kitchen, one of the newest, freshest spots to grab a bite to eat on Gallery Walk. Today she explores with us just what’s gone into the rise of this trendy café.
by Kyle Hitchmough
How long have you owned this business? What was your drive to run it?
I have only owned it since the beginning of November as it was already established. I’ve always wanted to own a café even though I’ve never worked in hospitality. This was always one of my favourite places, so when we moved up here and it came up for sale, we decided to give it a go and the rest is history!
How would you describe the identity of Wild Plum Kitchen for those who might not be familiar with it?
We try and focus on the cleaner eating side of things. Everything is freshly made in house, and we have a range of options. Vegan options, gluten-free options, good old bacon and eggs… and nice lunches! Bagels, croissants, that sort of thing.
Do you have a most popular menu item?
Yeah, absolutely. We have a few different filled bagels, and they become really popular. They’re easy to eat on the run. On the weekend it’s different— it’s just bacon and eggs! Have I got a favourite? Hmm… Tambo avo, I think.
What goes into your role as owner here?
I’ve got such great staff. They are amazing. So, it’s just making sure that they are happy, and we’ve got the place running smoothly. Then it’s making sure that everything’s fully stocked… We’re open from 8 to 2 or 3, but it’s not just an ‘8 to 2 or 3’ thing. It’s a constant thing. Just making sure that we have a great range of options and that we change it up a little bit now and then.
Do you have a typical customer?
Not really, no. It’s a little bit of everyone, which is great. We have a really diverse range of customers. Everybody’s gotta eat!
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain community?
Love it. Absolutely love it. We’ve only been up here two years, but it’s definitely the best move we’ve ever made. We’re originally from New Zealand but we’ve been in Australia for 13 years, and up here is the first place we’ve actually felt like we could settle. The people are amazing, the schools are fantastic, it’s got everything you need—you don’t have to go off the mountain that often at all.
What do you think makes the Wild Plum Kitchen unique?
Again, the great staff. They’re really welcoming. And we have a good range of options for everyone. Oh, and good coffee. We’ve got very good coffee! The options, the coffee, the staff, we just try and be really welcoming to anybody.
Do you have any plans for the future? I notice that you have a display of beauty products on the back wall.
Before I took this over, I was doing beauty and that was one of the ranges that I had, and I just brought it in here. I do want to have a little gift area in here eventually.
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