PHIL Sarich and his wife Deb knew there was a need for something new at Hillwood but didn't expect their venture to receive such a strong response.
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The couple bought what was the Hillwood General Store about 15 months ago and have converted it into a coffee shop.
The move saw Mr Sarich switch from a lifetime as a builder to training as a barista.
He said he never expected people would line up outside to wait for a table on weekends.
"It was just basically something to do in retirement and semi- retirement," Mr Sarich said. "I think the locals missed having a meeting place."
Mr Sarich said the business had the unexpected bonus of enticing tourists into looking at real estate.
He said Mrs Sarich, a real estate agent, had received calls from people looking to buy land.
He said his wife was also an excellent cook. Mrs Sarich makes all the food at the cafe and elicits rave reviews. "Just the way it's going is fantastic," Mr Sarich said. The Hillwood Coffee Shop is open Wednesday to Friday 7.30am to 4pm and weekends 8.30am to 4pm.