General News
10 June, 2021
Real confidence in Innisfail
THERE is a hospitality staff shortage in our region. This has not dented the confidence in Cairns local businesswoman and café owner, Anna Real.
Ms Real has owned and operated the Mabsuhai Café and Kitchen on Sheridan Street for the past 11 months and now is expanding her business base to include Innisfail.
Famishes Café in Innisfail is an institution, operating in Edith Street Innisfail for longer than most locals can remember. Several months ago, Famishes Café closed, much to the disappointment of the hundreds of locals who would regularly meet for coffee and a catch-up on all things ‘Innisfail’.
Last month, when on a weekend drive with her family, Ms Real stumbled across the closed and for lease Famishes and immediately saw potential.
“The location was perfect. The top of the town, central to everything, plus I loved how friendly the people were.
“Innisfail was the ideal place for me to open a café, and Famishes was an institution in the town, it was too good an opportunity to pass-up,” she said.
Keeping the identity of the café was important, as well as preserving the legacy to the town of the original owners. The new owner, Anna real felt the best name for her new café had to be ‘Real Famishes Café’.
Preparations for the opening are progressing quickly. Local staff have been employed, although Ms Real still has vacancies for a barista and another cook. Sign writing is being installed by Rik Russell from Russell Signage and Printery and the Cafe is looking to open later this month.
“I know people are saying that hospitality and restaurants are doing it tough because of COVID. But I know, if you give great service and serve quality food you will always be busy, and Innisfail is a great town.”
Real Famishes will be known for their signature dish, ‘Pulled Pork Bennie’ a feast, perfect as an all-day breakfast. Delicious slow roasted marinated pork, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, with spinach served on toasted sourdough.
Real Famishes Cafe will once more serve as the social hub for Innisfail. Family and community are important in Ms Real’s life. Coming to Australia from the Philippines, 28 years ago to make a new life. Eventually living and working in multicultural Cairns in hospitality for the past 2 years, and now expanding into perhaps one of the most diverse multicultural communities in Far North Queensland.
Real Famishes Cafe will open 7 days a week from 7am until 3pm and is located on the corner of Edith and Owens Streets in Innisfail.
