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Metropole Cafe, nestled within the heritage setting of QVB, offers a delightful fusion of old-world charm and modern convenience. It’s a fan favourite amongst busy commuters and shoppers alike.
Metropole has been a loyal Grinders Coffee partner for almost 10 years.
Partnering with Richard from Freckly Faces to support World Disability Day each year shows their passion and commitment to their community.
We chatted with Nik, about his time with Grinders and his passion for all things coffee.
Tell us a little bit about you?
When I was growing up my parents owned a deli & I was brought up in that space. It’s been my passion deep down forever. I’ve had a few different jobs in my life going from hospitality to real estate and then back again. When I was a Real Estate agent I was trying to sell the cafe (Metropole) which was called La Fontana at the time & in the process I fell in love with the space. I bought into the venue as a silent partner. A few years ago Vicki (my wife) & I bought out the other business owner and now own Metropole 100%. We love the idea of going all in on one passion project and putting our all into the business. We’ve been here for 21 years now!
When did you start working with Grinders Coffee: 10 years ago this July.
What made you choose Grinders? The Sales rep from our previous coffee supplier moved to work for Grinders and convinced me to come on board. The rep really looked after us, we had a great relationship. Vicki & I always felt heard and trusted the company and specifically their sales rep.
So, I took it upon myself to slowly convert people who came into our cafe who proclaimed they ‘hated Grinders’ by convincing customers to try a cup. I’d offer them a coffee & told them if they didn’t like it they didn’t need to pay. I’ve converted so many customers to now loving the brand!
I love the source blend, it’s very consistent and inoffensive so suits a range of customers’ palettes perfectly.
How do you drink your coffee? Do you have more than one a day? I’m a multiple coffees a day kind of guy! I like to change it up and have favoured all kinds of drinks over the years but currently my beverage of choice is a Strong Oat Latte to start the day, followed by a piccolo (or two, for the calcium benefits of course) and then I might indulge in an ice cold batch brew to end the day. It all depends on the mood.
Can you tell me a bit about your relationship with Grinders? Our coffee rep, Jasper is fantastic, the staff love him, he’s easily contactable at all times & he is very easy going. Vicki & I feel so supported by the team and the company as a whole. Grinders is a corporation, but it feels like we are dealing with a family business, no problem is too hard or too much trouble.
What makes Metropole such a great place to work? Vicki & I like to hire on personality or team fit over skill set, you can train in skills but you can’t change a person. And team dynamic is really important to us & the business’ success. The team all get along, even spending time together outside of work. It’s all about having a friendly working environment which then makes the customers happy as a result.
What are you most proud of regarding you & your team? Operating for over 20 years, it’s challenging in these times, especially during COVID. Grinders supported us throughout the whole pandemic. They offered not only financial support, but emotional support too, this was over and above any other supplier we’ve ever worked with! I always try to see the positive in any situation & roll with the punches. The team at Metropole all do the same all with a smile on their face.
In an ever changing industry, what are some coffee trends you’ve noticed recently?
The move to alternative milks has been the biggest movement I’ve noted, I remember when oat milk entered the market, I just knew after tasting it that it would be a big deal. It compliments coffee so well, never overpowering the flavour profile whilst holding its own, and today Oat milk is easily one of our most requested alternative milks!
