A Coffee Story: From Dream to Reality and Back Again (2025)

The Coffee Incident: A Bittersweet Brew as the Owner Welcomes New Beginnings

After nearly six years of serving up delicious coffee and creating lasting memories, The Coffee Incident has officially gone on the market. The beloved Glen Innes café is up for sale as owner Holly Coldham and her partner, Tom, eagerly anticipate the arrival of their first child, a baby boy due in mid-November. This bittersweet decision marks a new chapter in Holly's life, balancing her passion for coffee and entrepreneurship with the joys of motherhood.

Holly's journey with The Coffee Incident began when she purchased the business from her former boss, Chris Glennan, who had owned it for more than seven years. Holly's desire to start her own business in Glen Innes and her lifelong dream of having a family led to this momentous decision.

"Owning a café was always my career dream, and it's been a huge part of my identity and life," Holly shared. "But at the same time, the decision was easy. I've always wanted to have a family, and it's been my priority to do that and do it properly."

The café's cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, including Holly's team, have been key to its success. Holly's time in Toowoomba, where she prepared sweets and savories for a display cabinet, inspired her to create a similar ambiance at The Coffee Incident. The café's menu, featuring great coffee, cakes, and toasties, has been a hit with customers.

As the café grew, Holly and her team moved to a larger space, offering an all-day breakfast menu and a bigger dining area. Holly's dedication to her team and the café's success is evident in her mentorship and support for their side hustles and collaborations.

Despite the challenges of running a busy café, Holly's passion for coffee and her community remains strong. She believes that The Coffee Incident stands out due to its atmosphere and the special bond between the staff and customers.

"Our atmosphere is what makes us different," Holly said. "My team is so special. We serve up beautiful coffee, cabinet snacks, and a lovely menu, but none of that would mean anything without the people. We're more like a friendship group than colleagues, and customers can really feel that joy."

As Holly prepares to pass the torch, she hopes the next owner will embrace the café's potential. The venue's license and aesthetic space offer opportunities for growth, including night events, retail, and an extended menu.

"There's so much room for growth if someone's willing to put in the energy," Holly said. "The café deserves energy and attention. It's a magical place, and I think there's someone out there who will love it as much as Chris did and as much as I do."

The sale of The Coffee Incident is an exciting opportunity for a passionate hospitality enthusiast to take the reins of a thriving, well-loved local business. As Holly and Tom welcome their new family member, Glen Innes will celebrate new beginnings, fond farewells, and the lasting legacy of a café built on love, caffeine, and connection.

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A Coffee Story: From Dream to Reality and Back Again (2025)
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