Back in 2017, Tom Coats and Olivia Brook established a Tandem Coffee Co. in Grange as a way to combine their passions of cycling and good coffee. Tom – an avid cyclist – established Tandem in part to became a popular base of operations for the cycling community to gather for group rides three-to-four times a week, while also fuelling up on top-notch coffee and bites. Although beginning as a small endeavour, Tom and Olivia eventually set their sights on expanding their humble operations to an area of Brisbane with a higher amount of traffic, ideally somewhere central and convenient for their cycling clientele. November 2019 saw the couple commence the hunt for a suitable space, eventually finding Tandem’s ideal future home on Latrobe Terrace in the former site of Atticus Finch. The space proved perfect on several counts. First, it was ready to house a cafe with only minor cosmetic adjustments. Second, Tandem 2.0 was perfectly positioned to catch the eye of both foot and two-wheeled traffic. Finally, another vacant space under the cafe (formerly used for storage) afforded Tom and Olivia the chance to expand into bike sales, servicing and indoor training for cycling teams.
After a short renovation period that saw the cafe’s floors and walls redone, Tandem’s original reclaimed-timber coffee bar transported and installed, and a small bike workshop implemented at the rear of the cafe, Tandem Coffee Co. officially reopened last Thursday March 5. Much like its Grange iteration, Tandem Coffee Co. specialises in bites that are easy to eat on the move – we’re talking fresh pastries, slices, chia-seed puddings, toasties and brekkie wraps. Also making the journey from Grange is Sunshine Coast roasting outfit Sunday’s Coffee Co, with the balanced Easy Like blend once again on deck for Tandem’s espresso pours. Just behind the coffee counter you’ll find a small retail and bike assembly space, where Tom and other knowledgable team members can advise on all things cycling. Tandem will activate its downstairs space in April, which will house a full servicing workshop, an indoor-training centre and bike-fitting studio. Tandem Coffee Co. is also in the process of obtaining a liquor licence, after which it will open for drinks, cheese boards and live music on Friday nights.
Tandem Coffee Co. is now open! For operating hours and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide.