Anthony Vecchio and Jorja Heffer opened Milano’s Coffee House on Tuesday. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A veteran restaurateur has teamed up with a young first-time business owner to open Milano’s Coffee House, an eatery the duo says makes ‘you feel like you’re not in Griffith’.
Anthony Vecchio, 55, co-owned Il Corso in Wagga for many years and then ran Station 4 Cafe on Banna Avenue’s middle block, the site of which has been transformed into Milano’s Coffee House.
“This is a complete rebrand. Station 4 was just me, but now I’ve gone into partnership with Jorja, who has worked for me for five years,” he said.
“We did a lot of research, travelled to the big cities and looked at a lot of the chic cafes there. Jorja had an idea in her head of a bright, comfortable setting that isn’t too flamboyant, and she hit the nail on the head.”
Honey Halloumi with avocado on toast is a new addition to the menu. Photo: Supplied.
Jorja Heffer, 22, has worked in hospitality since she was 13. She did shifts every weekend and saved like mad to buy a property at age 19 and now embarks on her first business venture.
“I never planned to do hospitality long-term but it worked out that way. I’m nervous, excited and loving it. We’ve been open for three days and booked out each one of them; we’ve had to turn people away. We’re already doing 12 hour-plus shifts,” she said.
“We wanted to do nicer food, better presented, tastier and more upmarket and that’s what we offer.”
Mum Karen is proud of what her daughter Jorja has achieved. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Mr Vecchio has been in the industry for 35 years and sees a big future for his new business partner.
“I’ve worked in restaurants all over Griffith. When I was 22 I was offered an opportunity to become a partner with Il Corso in Wagga. Now I’m giving Jorja that same opportunity; she’s got a great work ethic and if she transfers that into a boss role, she can’t go wrong.”
Ms Vecchio said customers would be surprised by what Milano’s had to offer and would think they were on Brunswick Street or in Surry Hills when they entered.
“What we’ve done is elevated the old Station 4 Menu. Our French toast is much nicer, more presentable. We’ve still got our breakfast items, but we’ve also got items like honey haloumi toast and sweet potato stuffed with quinoa,” he said.
“We’ve got iced coffees and coffee crema, which is like a Greek and Italian-type dessert that is slowly coming to Australia.”
Eggs and done a variety of ways. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Heffer has grand plans for the future.
“I think we could start a franchise and go global,” she said.
Mr Vecchio responded: “Let’s get this place right first.”
Milano’s Coffee House, located at 252 Banna Avenue, is open 7 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
