Nestled in Coltman Plaza, the Lucas Town Café has been a beloved local gem since it first opened its doors on September 25, 2013. But back then? It was a whole different scene.
When Lynn and Malo decided to open their very first café, there was hardly a bustling street to speak of. Just cows and sheep casually crossing the road! The only neighbors at the time were wide open spaces and a vision. Over the years, the community grew around them, with Wilsons building, McDonald’s, Ballarat Community Health, and the Integra office all opening nearby, turning Lucas from a quiet patch of land into a lively neighborhood hub.
Malo’s passion for hospitality was the initial spark. Having studied cookery, Malo and Lynn spotted a fresh opportunity when Coltman Plaza was originally seeking tenants. It just so happened to align with Malo graduating. “Melbourne felt too busy, too competitive,” Lynn recalls. “So we decided to move to Ballarat from Melbourne and give it a go.” And so, they packed up and moved, ready to share their love of great food and warm company with the locals.
Lucas Town Café isn’t just about great coffee and tasty treats, it has become a cornerstone of the community. Over 12 years, Malo and Lynn have seen countless milestones. From watching their own children grow to witnessing families start, settle, and thrive around them. The café is a backdrop to a lot of people’s daily ritual.
Lynn and Malo acknowledge the communities unwavering support during the challenging days of the pandemic. “Our customers came every day, often refusing to redeem free coffees on their loyalty cards because they wanted to support us as much as possible,” Lynn shares. This extraordinary kindness inspired Malo to keep prices steady even as supplier costs kept going up. An act that deeply resonates with the community spirit they’ve organically nurtured here.
If you’ve ever visited the café, you know the warm welcome that comes with every order. The team’s knack for remembering customer’s favorite drink isn’t magic, just genuine enthusiasm. “We love making people feel like friends, not just customers, it’s about connecting, about hearing about your day.”
Reflecting on Lucas’ transformation, Malo and Lynn are in awe of the community’s thoughtful growth. “We love the Lucas Community. People here are so nice and warm. Even though Malo and I are a different nationality, we feel so involved and supported. We are proud we are a part of the Lucas Community.”
Though they don’t have immediate plans for big changes at the cafe, Lynn and Malo do dream of refreshing the café’s look, aiming to create an even more inviting space for their customers. And no matter what the future aesthetic is we hope that Malo and Lynn keep serving up cups of coffee for many years to come and we thank them for being such incredible Lucas Locals.
In a world that can sometimes feel rushed and disconnected, Lucas Town Café stands as a pillar of warmth, friendship, and belonging – a reminder that sometimes the best ingredients for a thriving café are love, care, and a genuine community spirit.
So next time you’re in Lucas, drop by for a coffee, a chat, and a taste of the kind of neighbourly love that only a place like this can brew.
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
