Sun Devil Drinks Company opens in Strange Days Store’s new digs!
Sun Devil Drinks Company opens in Strange Days Store’s new digs!
If your caffeine fix needs a little more wild west and a little less flat white, then saddle up, partner – Sun Devil Drinks Company has arrived. Born in the buzzing Gold Coast market scene, this American-style coffee bar has found itself a permanent home inside vintage juggernaut Strange Days in Tweed Heads. Think saloon-style charm meets New York espresso bar, all wrapped up in a vintage wonderland that makes grabbing your morning brew feel like stepping into a Quentin Tarantino film.
Sun Devil’s story is as rich as its coffee. It started as a humble drinks stall in the Currumbin markets, where founders Alex Boyce and Freya Lynch introduced Aussies to the holy grail of American refreshments and cold brews (more on those below). With the sun beating down and locals looking for a thirst-quencher with a side of character, the stall quickly gained a cult following.
But it wasn’t until a fateful trip back to the States that inspiration struck. After tasting their way through some of America’s best bars and restaurants, they dreamed up the now-legendary Sun Devil Special. One call to their mate Marshall (kitchen wizard extraordinaire) and the recipe was perfected, sealing their reputation as the Gold Coast’s go-to for American-style caffeine hits.
Enter Sylvie Cornu, the brains behind Strange Days Store. A vintage maven with over 20 years in the fashion industry, Sylvie was expanding her Palm Beach-born store into a more polished version in Tweed Heads when she met Alex and Freya. If you haven’t frequented Strange Days before, think carefully curated vintage threads and goods imported from America and Europe.
Like peanut butter and jelly, cowboy boots and denim, or Bowie and Ziggy, the collaboration just made sense. Sun Devil took up residence at the front of Strange Days, giving shoppers the ultimate combo – vintage treasure hunting and a damn good cup of coffee.
The space itself is dripping in Western Americana charm, with raw exposed brick, vintage wood, and metal accents making it feel like a frontier-town espresso bar. And while takeaway is an option, Sun Devil is all about slowing down. Pull up a seat at the bar, swap stories with the baristas, and let the caffeine-fuelled conversations flow. Bay Street, after all, is one of the last bastions of Gold Coast authenticity – a tight-knit community of small businesses that look out for each other, and now, a little slice of Americana to keep things interesting.
If you’re new to Sun Devil, the Sun Devil Special is your initiation. It’s the drink that put them on the map and kept marketgoers coming back week after week. And if you’re feeling nostalgic for a classic American summer, the Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade), or Southern Sweet Tea will transport you straight to a rocking chair on a Southern porch. Whatever you choose, you’re in for something different – Sun Devil isn’t just another coffee shop; it’s an experience.
With Sun Devil pouring the coffee and Strange Days Store bringing the vintage vibes, Bay Street just got a whole lot cooler. Whether you’re after a killer caffeine fix or a wardrobe straight out of a Nashville dive bar, this is your one-stop shop for both.
Where: 28-30 Bay St, Tweed Heads
When: Sun Devil Drinks – 7.30am to 2pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Closed Thursday.
Strange Days – 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday & 10am to 2pm Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
It’s an experience that gets all your senses going, from that distinctive op shop scent to the rush of excitement you get when you find a pre-loved treasure you know you’ll be calling vintage!
In honour of all the people who do good by donating to op shops or volunteer their time, we bring forth an epic list of the crème de la crème of op shops on the Coast.
Thrifters, get excited, gather your besties and get ready to hunt down some bargains!
Salvos Store, Nerang
So our friends in the outer ‘burbs don’t have to miss out on the bargain hunt we bring to you Nerang’s Salvos Store just off the Pacific Motorway on Station Street. Friendly service and a great range of pre-loved items make this op shop a place to return!
Where: 23-25 Station St, Nerang
Lifeline Molendinar
Bargain hunters, this one will give you all the heart eyes. It is a literal warehouse. You’re guaranteed to walk away from this place with some bargains.
Where: 28 Industrial Ave, Molendinar
Lifeline, Southport
Southport’s Lifeline is the perfect spot when you’re in the mood to dress to impress. They have lots of retro and vintage clothing plus books, shoes, toys and manchester.
Where: 14 Railway St, Southport
Vinnies, Mudgeeraba
Vinnies, another familiar face in the world of op-shopsis a must for affordable and pre-loved items including clothing, furniture, books, music and bric-a-brac. Everything you buy inspires change in your local community, feel good shopping at its best!
Where: 58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Pacas Recycling Store, Surfers Paradise
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces is sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Salvos, Mermaid Beach
Located just near Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach it’s easy to see why this store has a reputation for being one of the best on the Coast. This place is huge and a veritable treasure trove for thrifters.
Where: Pacific Square, Shop 11/2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
AWLQ, Burleigh
This hidden treasure trove located on the lower Gold Coast Highway just around the corner from Commune Cafe is rather small but offers you a good variety of clothing, furniture and home-wares. Plus it’s always a good feeling knowing you’re helping animals in need with your new finds. Show them off in style by relaxing with a yummy coffee afterwards.
Where: Cnr & Lower Gold Coast Hwy & Elder Entrance, Burleigh Heads
Vinnies, Burleigh Waters
Nestled between Harvey Norman and Burleigh Homespace at Santa Maria Court is Vinnies Burleigh Waters. The welcoming staff play a big part of why this op-shop is a locals favourite! Besides great customer service they give you everything you expect from a thrift shop and more.
Where: 11/1 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters
RSPCA, West Burleigh
Bargain hunters beware… RSPCA’s biggest Gold Coast store is another well kept secret and features furniture, books, toys, music, clothing and even some antiques! It’s pretty easy to spend hours browsing through all the second-hand steals and collectables, but as long as you make it out with some unique fashion items and vintage finds it’s well worth it!
Where: 18 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
