Mermaid Beach welcomes Australia’s first not-for-profit coffee shop
Mermaid Beach welcomes Australia’s first not-for-profit coffee shop
If you read our interview with Yas Matbouly, visionary Founder and President of Australia’s fastest growing charity Serving Our People (SOP), you know a little somethin’ somethin’ about this story. Based on the Gold Coast, SOP are excited to launch SERVED., the country’s first charity-owned, not-for-profit coffee shop…and so are we! Although it’s not exactly hard to coax us into trying a new coffee haunt, this hole in the wall at the charity’s Mermaid Beach headquarters serves your long black with a side of feel-good-factor. Just the way we like it.
SERVED. is an extra spesh initiative as 100% of profits will go directly to support SOP’s work across South East Queensland. It enables us, the local community, to help those who are struggling without spending more moolah than we normally would. In our humble opinions, this is #genius and we love that our enduring love affair with caffeine will now support a worthy cause – other than the quest for more energy.
Coffee snobs breathe a sigh of relief as SERVED. will use Melbourne-based ethically sourced St Remio coffee beans to please both your palette and your conscience. And if you’re not into coffee firstly, just huh?, and secondly, in addition to serving ‘The People’s Coffee’, there’s also refreshing juices and ‘The People’s Water’. So there is literally no excuse not to swing in on your AM stroll or drive to work for your morning refreshment and good deed for the day.
Funds raised will be used to prop up a range of the organisation’s projects, like their supermarket donation boxes, plenty more SERVED. outlets across our ‘hood and beyond, and various other growth ventures. Delivering anything to anyone in need, SOP has supported over 55,000 people in various capacities during their time of crisis.
Obviously COVID brought anything but good fortune for many businesses, but SOP is the ultimate feel-good COVID success story. Opening its doors in March 2020 as a logistics, delivery and emergency relief not-for-profit organisation, it has gone from strength to strength. Blossoming into a mobilised team of more than 2,100 volunteers across South East Queensland and New South Wales, they have delivered 19,000 meals, and more than 1,000 food packages; ‘bags of love’. We all know karma keeps her receipts so we reckon these outstanding individuals should buy lotto tickets, like immediately.
Another exciting SOP project is the launch of Queensland’s first ‘free supermarket. Here members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford #howgood. The supermarket is located at the organisation’s Mermaid Beach headquarters, which recently underwent a transformation into a modern community hub with a half-size basketball court, electric bicycles, and space for community activities and fundraising events.
And because these do-gooders just keep on keeping on, SOP are hosting a Christmas toy drive and pop-up gift-wrapping shop at Pacific Fair, with the public encouraged to purchase and donate gifts to those in need. Then, Christmas hampers and Pac Fair gift vouchers will be distributed to over 100 deserving peeps across the Gold Coast and we literally just got goosebumps.
So watch this space for more info on SOP’s amazing work and in the meantime, look for the bright blue and white awning and smiling faces at SERVED when you’re in Mermaid. Grab a coffee or refreshment and feel all the feels knowing that you’re doing your bit to help the less fortunate.
Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (entrance via 4-6 Seaview Avenue)
When: 5am – 2pm, Monday to Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
A COVID success story, Serving Our People (SOP) first opened its doors in March 2020 as a complimentary delivery service for those who could not leave their homes to purchase essential items such as groceries, baby formula and medications, providing comfort and convenience to those who need it most.
Now, more than two years on, the organisation has helped more than 52,000 people across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, delivering more than 25,000 meals to those in need with a registered volunteer base surpassing 1,100.
This December, Serving Our People’s headquarters will be transformed into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ – a place when members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford.
“We want to make sure that everyone in the Gold Coast community and across Australia is aware of the services that we provide,” said Yas Matbouly, Founder of Serving Our People (SOP).
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Over the past 18 years, I have lived and worked in some of the world’s most exciting cities – Dubai, Doha, London, New York and Australia. I have a significant career leading major transactions for governments and global brands such as IBM, Omnicom and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, my experience as an advisor for a Middle Eastern Royal Family Private Affairs office gave me unique insights into how to restructure financial institutions and pursue international investment opportunities. In particular, real estate, energy, finance, agriculture and technology are all areas where there is significant potential for growth. I also worked with the Sunland Group, an ASX listed property developer, before I founded Serving Our People. Sitting on the Bond University’s MBA alumni committee is another one of my many passions. My Executive MBA is from Bond University, Australia, and Stanford Executive Education Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, CA, USA.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been back on the Gold Coast and living here for the last 6 years. I was in Brisbane for a year before moving back to Australia from New York.
What do you love about the Gold Coast?
It is the best city in the world. I have travelled all over the world and by far the Gold Coast is magical, it has everything to offer from family life to the best nature escapes, great education and entrepreneurial hub, amazing weather and very healthy environment, it is a great environment to be relaxed and happy, which is the best.
You are the founder of Serving our People (SOP). Can you tell us about this charity?
Serving Our People (SOP) is a complimentary delivery service born from the adverse global pandemic of COVID-19. We are a logistics, delivery, and emergency relief service. Our mission at Serving Our People is simple: to serve those in need. We were founded in 2020 with the goal of helping as many people as possible, and we now operate in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales. Our vision is “to deliver to anyone, at any time, in any place”. At a time when many are feeling uncertain, we remain committed to serving all Australians, no matter their need or circumstances.
You’re currently building Queensland’s First Free Supermarket. What an amazing initiative. Can you tell us about this project?
We are excited to announce our plans to transform Serving Our People’s headquarters, a 45-year-old warehouse in Mermaid Beach, into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ for those in need. This will be a place where members of the community can come and collect essential non-perishable grocery items, relieving the cost of living pressures they are facing. Set to open in December this year, with a half size basketball court, electric bicycles and plenty of space for community activities and fundraising events, this will be a hub for everyone to enjoy.
How will the free supermarket work? Where will the food come from & who can access the supermarket?
Non-perishable goods are already being collected from donation boxes stationed in leading supermarkets across the Gold Coast. Each box is used to stock the shelves of Serving Our People’s “pop-up supermarket” or fill “bags of love” to deliver to those who cannot ‘shop’ in-person. No matter who you are or what your circumstances may be, you are welcome to come and collect items at our supermarket. We are dedicated to helping anyone in Australia who needs it, and we will do everything we can to make their lives better. Whether you are a family, an elderly person, displaced persons or disadvantaged communities, carers, victims of disasters or people living with disabilities, we are here for you.
When can we expect the supermarket to be up and running?
Our grand opening is set for 22 December 2022, and to launch our opening event, we’ll be inviting our local homeless community to join us for a Christmas lunch at the new headquarters.
Are you looking for donations of food, money or time?
We’re looking for all the above! Our volunteers are working hard to collect food boxes every week. Each box provides enough food for 40 families, which means we can help feed 2000 families each year. However, with the new supermarket open, we hope to support even more people in need.
What is the most valuable way for locals to get involved?
There are many ways to help those in need, and one easy way is to donate items through our donation boxes. You can find these boxes in supermarkets across Gold Coast and Brisbane. Just purchase some extra items to donate, and you’ll be making a difference in the lives of others. Once the boxes are full, volunteers from SOP collect the items and create ‘bags of love’, which include items such as non-perishable food, and essentials such as toothpaste, bottled water, and sanitary items for the free supermarket.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
As we move into the new year, we are committed to continuing our work serving those in need with compassion and integrity. We are proud to be known as a collaborative charity that works closely with other charities and organisations to meet the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year and beyond.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Le Cafe Gourmand in Mermaid Beach & The Salt Mill in Currumbin
Beach: Currumbin
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Enjoying time with my family or at various Serving Our People activations with the family.
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
Little Truffle
It’s back baby and we might just say, better than ever. Little Truffle had the glowiest of glow ups last year and we’re just oh so glad those glamorous doors are officially open again. The food is just as fancy as you remember it was but elevated to a whole new level with the mastermind chefs behind the icon among us. If you haven’t been back since Little Truffle got her face lift, it’s time to rekindle your love…
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cheese Me Baby
They say sweet dreams are made of cheese, or something like that anyway. So what’s sweeter than a place dedicated to the humble cheese toastie. Okay so Cheese Me Baby actually brings a whole lot more to the table than just cheese toasies, but it’s practically illegal to not get around their signature three-cheese blend sando at least once. If you’re not about the carb load (sorry, we’re judging you) then their breakfast boards and acai bowls have your name all over them.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Six Tricks
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the ultimate new addition to the GC and Mermaid distillery scene, a carnival of cocktails it’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room
The North Room is one of our favourite spots not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick to snag a spot. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
La Macelleria
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the vibe is always pumping so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out and epic cocktails, you know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever), it’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy. The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Easy Street Diner
Blink and you might miss this beauty along the Gold Coast Hwy, so keep your eye peeled! What these guys knock out of their kitchen will have you coming back time after time. Menu items such as Jalapeño Bites, Pickle Poppers and their infamous Pork Belly Nuggets are absolute crowd-pleasers. But who are we to take the shine off their fantastic lineup of burgers, Give us the Royale with Cheese all the way!
Where: 12/2563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse have it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis for recovery and tranquillity, right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, tradition and infared saunas, steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave, pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest standing taco joints on the Coast, their Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well the Mezcal Margarita of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
