The quaint corner cafe Daisy, formerly Dear Daisy, has undergone a quiet makeover since owner Charlie Devereux took it over late last year.
Originally joining the team three years ago, Charlie’s goal at the time was to become a professional soccer player. But when life took a different turn, he found his passion behind the coffee machine.
“I didn’t know what to do after my career took a different trajectory. My sister worked here and got me a job. I really wanted to learn how to make coffee,” he says.
A short stint at Abbots and Kinney followed, before a head barista spot opened back at Dear Daisy, along with an opportunity to take over the space, one he couldn’t pass up.
“I was saving for a space of my own, then I realised it was right in front of me,” says Charlie.
Previous owner David Thomas still works in the cafe and has been “really helpful” in the transition phase.
Since stepping into the role, Charlie has given things a subtle, pared-back refresh.
The new menu veers away from its vegan-centric roots, though much-loved favourites like the tofu scramble, breakie burger and housemade hashbrowns remain. Charlie’s adopted a “less is more” approach, and the focus now is on perfecting the classics.
“We wanted to take the pressure off the kitchen and hone in on specialty items. We’re doing cafe staples really well,” Charlie says.
The cafe continues to source mainly local, using produce from Cons at the Central Market, biodynamic milk from Paris Creek, and ethical beans from local favourite Kindred Coffee.
But the most noticeable change is in the fit-out. He called on his parents, sisters, and fiancé to “fully gut out” the space, taking what was a mid-century style knick-knack haven to a more simple, slightly “tiki” cafe.
There’s new cabinetry, a new takeaway counter to match the beautifully mismatched floor tiles, but the crowned centrepiece is a pair of vintage church pews Charlie found while hunting online.
“They were the perfect fit for the spot. I put mum and dad on an excursion trip up to Loxton and they restored them.”
“We didn’t want it to look too churchy, we didn’t want people to get on their knees and say grace before eating food,” he laughs, “but it optimised the space and made it flow best.”
Charlie’s family might just be the perfect family for a business revamp. Mum and dad have a background in house flipping, his sister manages the cafe, the other is a photographer, and he called on a close friend to do the branding. Out of his mum’s 11 siblings, half of them own businesses, so this next step was far from a blind leap for the Devereux’s.
“Props to my mum and dad,” Charlie laughs. “Dad wouldn’t even let me hold a drill. They were a massive help.”
He tells us this while his niece enjoys a babycino in the corner – a true family affair.
Dear Daisy to Daisy symbolises the new chapter for the popular coffee spot. Still the same great food, customer service and homely feel, just a simpler, slightly modified refresh.
“I love hospitality. I love connecting with customers, I love the process of making coffee, and seeing familiar faces grab their morning coffee every day. I’m lucky to have my own space to do it,” says Charlie.
WHAT: Daisy Forestville
WHEN: 7am-2pm Mon to Fri, 8am – 2pm Sat & Sun
WHERE: 66 Leah St, Forestville
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