After 27 years, Cafe Bliss owners have officially retired. Under new management, however, the venue will keep its name and offerings that locals have grown to love through the years.
It has been a blissful 27 years for owners Jamie and Merle Stewart which is probably good enough reason to finally retire and spend more time doing other things they love doing together like fishing and riding a bike.
The couple officially handed over the reins to its new owner, Ketan Patel, last 28 February 2023. Ms Stewart said that all the cafe staff will be retained even as the ownership changed hands.
Loved by the locals, Cafe Bliss has become an institution in the area and has survived so many challenges, including staff shortages and tough competition from newcomers and old-timers alike.
“It was a pleasure to join Dr Christian Rowan MP and Kenmore Village Shopping Centre Manager, Lisa Jarrold, to farewell Jamie and Merle Stewart at Cafe Bliss today,” Cr Gred Adermann’s social media post reads after he presented the pair with a Moggill Electorate Community Award.
“Jamie and Merle have been institutions at this popular local cafe for the past 27 years. We wish them well in retirement and look forward to welcoming new owner, Ketan Patel, who already has an established reputation in the local hospitality scene, every success in the future.”
Loyal customers, likewise, sent the couple some gifts as they wished them well on their retirement and thanked them for the good food and memories.