By Carole Levy
A café with a difference, the newly launched Public Domain Café & Convenience is set to become a community hub within its peaceful residential neighbourhood of Epping. And to start things with a splash, the owners – the Rabie family of six – are giving out great prizes to their 50th and 100th customers, culminating in the 200th winning an iPhone.
These prizes can be snaffled by the customers who pop in for a Waffle Box, one of the many foodie initiatives devised by the close-knit family of Gary Rabie, his wife Hanna, son Josh and daughters Sebrina, Nadine and Lynda.
“The Waffle Boxes come with a single-serve waffle in a choice of six flavours – such as our famous Sir Twixalot, a play on Twix bars,” Gary explains. “They’re delicious little desserts to take home, give as gift or simply enjoy as a snack – kids and their pick-up person can drop in after school, which is just across the road.”
The café, open every day from breakfast to 9pm, is naturally about more than its moreish waffles. It has a good coffee brew, made by barista and manager Josh, and cakes and sandwiches available any time.
Breakfast brings on simple home-cooked food, such as eggs done all ways with bacon and toast – among other dishes – while lunchtime offers hot homemade food, such as lasagne, arancini and frittata, as well as Lebanese dishes.
There’s no dinner service as such, but there’ll be that mostly homemade food in the bain marie to eat in or take home for the family.
It’s a free-and-easy place, the sort that mums’ groups, hungry after-school teens, friends meeting up, or families on the weekends can make their own.
As for the “convenience” part of Public Domain’s name, this refers to another aspect of the business that will be a big benefit to the neighbourhood. A range of grocery products is available, a convenient offering that Gary says will expand quickly.
“We’re looking to provide specialty breads, special honeys and jams, and even healthy meal packs,” says Gary.
“And we’ll likely look at stocking fresh flowers and interesting giftware, as well as gluten-free and organic products. Watch this space.”
Gary has previously opened three other Public Domain cafes, each within hospital/medical precincts. This is his first venture “out in the neighbourhood”, and he and his talented family are looking to further stretch their wings in a venture with community connection at its core.
Public Domain Café & Convenience, 1 Gammage Boulevard, Epping. Opens 6.30am-9pm Monday-Friday; 7am-9pm Saturday; and 8am-9pm Sunday. Inquiries: 8457 8795. For details, go to pdcafe.com.au, Facebook and Instagram.
