Melbourne's thriving cafe culture is so heartening because it is evidence that Melburnians want to come together. Sure, we want fantastic coffee and wonderful food but we could get that at home. There is something inherent in most of us that seeks out the company of others.

A cafe provides the stage for us to play out community. In my 24 years in the hospitality industry I have met people from all walks of life. I have seen the formation of life long friendships, cheered achievements and commiserated losses, celebrated weddings and births, and mourned at funerals and divorces. It has been my privilege to witness some very profound and intimate human moments.

I have a double degree in Anthropology and Philosophy. People, their stories and their unique perspectives have been an academic, professional and personal interest of mine for a very long time. Subconsciously, I think owning cafes may just be a front for me to satisfy my curiosity in people and their glorious stories.

Last year, I sold Mart130 cafe in Middle Park after setting it up in 2005 and operating it for 7 years. It was a highly successful venture for me and became an institution. It won The Age Best Breakfast Award 2008 and was featured in many publications including InsideOut magazine, The World of Interiors, Gourmet Traveller, Qantas in-flight magazine and Vogue Living. It also appeared on a number of local and international television networks, including the US and Japan.

I am excited about my new cafe venture- John Gorilla, located at 49 Pearson St, Brunswick West. I hope to open it in early August 2012. It is nearly finished and looking great. I love food and great coffee. I source organic and free range ingredients almost exclusively.

Fundamental to my professional ethos is providing an interesting, challenging and nurturing place to work. All my staff are carefully selected for their ability to laugh, to work cohesively and to provide great service and atmosphere.  

I have been lucky enough to have some staff work for me for many years and I will be bringing them with me to John Gorilla. I am most excited about my lovely chef, Shane Beazley, who was head chef at Mart130 and has come over to John Gorilla to head up the new kitchen team.

Most people involved in my new venture come from the local area. My builder is a Brunswick local, as are most of my suppliers, such as Padre coffee and Rustica bread. I believe in supporting local traders to limit food miles and to make use of the rich knowledge and local produce of where I live- oh, I'm a Brunswick local too!

I am almost at the end of the John Gorilla start up project. I could do with some funds to help get me over the line in order to commence trading. It will be spent on buying stock and paying contractors. If you feel you would like to support me, there are a range of ways to do so. Most of them are designed to give you a greater financial return than your donation.

Thanks for your time and I hope to see you at the cafe soooooon.

More photos and information can be found here.