![Coffee Break owner Colin King](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/IMG_5448-1200x914.jpg)
Former police officer Colin King is now the owner of Coffee Break. Photo: Supplied.
Who are you?
My name is Colin King and I’m the owner of Coffee Break.
Tell me about Coffee Break.
We specialise in Vittoria coffee and make our own muffins. All our muffins are made fresh six days a week. We have 13 gluten-free options, and we sell Ganmain pies, sausage rolls, and a selection of other baked items and treats.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I was a police officer for 26 years and was last stationed at Holbrook. I have no regrets, and I enjoyed my time policing, but if I had kept going, I would have been there until I was 65 – retirement age.
I left the police last June and wanted to work for myself. I looked for a coffee business, and this one came up for sale. I bought it and took it over last November.
If you weren’t in hospitality, what would you be doing instead?
If I hadn’t done this, I might have worked for the police in a different state or some other kind of government job.
![A must-try on the Coffee Break menu is a raspberry, white chocolate muffin.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/08/20240805_124136-scaled-e1723009367663-1200x860.jpg)
A must-try on the Coffee Break menu is a white chocolate and raspberry muffin. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
What is your best recent dining experience?
My best recent dining experience was at the Prince of Wales restaurant – Spare, and I had the individual beef Wellington.
What is your favourite cuisine?
Modern Chinese or any modern Asian.
What is the best coffee spot in Wagga?
This place. Coffee Break.
![Colin says the best coffee spot in Wagga is the Coffee Break.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/08/IMG_4324-Copy.jpg)
Celebrate the daily grind with a brew from Coffee Break! Photo: Colin King.
What is your favourite coffee to drink?
I drink a small latte with an extra shot.
A must-try on our menu:
A must-try would be the raspberry white chocolate muffin.
![Coffee Break has range of gluten free options.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/08/20240805_124143-1200x554.jpg)
Coffee Break has a range of gluten-free options. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Darren Lockyer and make him a steak and a potato bake.
Who is your biggest culinary influence?
I don’t really have one … I learnt how to bake here. [When it comes to watching chefs] I like the TV show – Somebody Feed Phil [Netflix travel documentary series].
Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene?
Who do I admire … Spare restaurant.
![Muffins are made fresh every day at Coffee Break](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/08/IMG_4874-900x1200.jpg)
Muffins are made fresh every day at Coffee Break. Photo: Colin King.
What TV show are you watching right now?
I’m watching The Brothers Son on Netflix.
What is your death row meal?
The beef Wellington at Spare with a glass of Barossa Shiraz.
What is your dream destination?
Some kind of island. Anywhere in the Pacific.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not having more time off.
What are your top three cooking tips?
- Follow the recipe.
- Be strict with the measurements.
- Learn from your mistakes and try new things.
Coffee Break is open from Monday to Wednesday and Friday 7 am to 5:30 pm, Thursday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 4 pm.