Kenmore Village Archives

Kenmore Village Shopping Centre Welcomes Shoppers with a Modern Makeover

Kenmore Village Shopping Centre has officially reopened, after more than a year of redevelopment, revealing a line-up new retail outlets, enhanced accessibility, upgraded amenities, and a refreshing, new aesthetic that still manages to preserve the Centre’s familiar charm.

Read: New Look For Kenmore Village Shopping Centre If Redevelopment Plans Push Through

The grand reopening was celebrated in true Carnival style, complete with stilt walkers, a hula hooper, and a magician to entertain visitors.

Photo credit: Kenmore Village Shopping Centre/Facebook

Photo credit: Kenmore Village Shopping Centre/Facebook

As part of the celebrations, Kenmore mum Bianca Harvey took home the major prize—a brand-new Haval Jolion SUV, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Cr Greg Adermann also attended the festivities, showing support for the revamped shopping destination.

A Modern Makeover with Familiar Charm

Visitors to the Centre will immediately notice the improved facilities, including easy-access parking, designated disability spaces, a new taxi rank, and upgraded toilet amenities.

Key upgrades include new car parks, covered walkways to the northern and western entries, and a completely refreshed interior.

One of the most significant changes to the Centre has been the demolition of the two-storey north mall, which allowed for the construction of a new ground-floor retail entrance and additional car parking spaces. The redevelopment aimed to blend modern features with the Centre’s original character, ensuring it remains a beloved community hub.

The all-new amenities area now boasts a well-equipped parent’s room, featuring adult and child toilets, a baby change bench, and private feeding booths. These additions reflect the Centre’s commitment to providing a comfortable and convenient experience for all visitors.

The extensive renovations focused on enhancing accessibility, convenience, and aesthetics while preserving the familiar charm of the Centre.

Read: Kenmore Community Bands Together to Deliver Hampers to Families in Need

The reopening also marks the arrival of new retail outlets, expanding the Centre’s offerings and bringing fresh shopping opportunities to the local community. More stores are set to open in the coming months, further enhancing the Centre’s appeal.

The refreshed space is now ready to welcome shoppers and families, offering a blend of convenience, entertainment, and an inviting shopping experience.

Published 27-February-2025

Kenmore’s Cafe Bliss’ Owners Retire After Almost Three Decades

Photo credit: Facebook / Cr Greg Adermann

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.

Kenmore’s Cafe Bliss’ Owners Retire After Almost Three Decades — Photo credit: Facebook / Cafe Bliss Kenmore

“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.

3 Reasons to Enjoy a Fantastic Brunch at Cafe Fiori

For some locals, Cafe Fiori at the Kenmore Village Shopping Centre is their go-to place for a meet-up with friends or a quick bite with family. But if you haven’t swung by in the last few months, here are three great reasons to drop by for coffee or brunch today.

1. Bigger Alfresco Area for Groups

Cafe Fiori’s renovation work commenced in February 2019 and was completed before the summer rolled in. Now expanded with a quiet alfresco dining area at The Portico, Kenmore Village’s new feature, the restaurant has more seats for groups to chill and relax with a hearty brunch and a cup of delicious coffee.

*Photo Credit: Cafe Fiori Kenmore Village/Facebook*

2. Expanded Menu

Along with the revitalisation, Cafe Fiori updated its menu and improved its brunch options to include some gluten-free substitutes. Known for their desserts, diners must try the luxurious taste of its sticky date with ice cream. Its milkshakes are also a regular on many customers’ orders.

The restaurant is now serving The Establishment organic blend coffee which uses Ethiopian-grown coffee beans. The new menu from Cafe Fiori may also be delivered to Bardon, Indooroopilly, Taringa, Chapel Hill, Sinnamon Park, Jindalee and Mount Coot Tha, apart from Kenmore and Kenmore Hills, via Menulog.

3. Sip n Dip Workshops

Since November 2019, Sip n Dip Australia has been regularly hosting workshop and events at Cafe Fiori and some of the classes include candle or soap making and painting. The workshops are open for any age.

Below are the rest of the crafty sessions taking place until April 2020:

Cafe Fiori’s regular trading hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. On Sundays, the restaurant opens from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Phone +61 7 3878 2485 to reserve a seat.

“Nice coffee. Good service. Pleasant surroundings. Good choice of food. I particularly like their cheese and onion scones.”
~ Pat McLean, Facebook

“Best coffee in Kenmore!!! I have been coming here for the last 2 years and never disappointed with the coffee, food and the service!”
~ Nicola Xu, Google Reviews

Bushfire Fundraiser: Cafe Fiori Donating Part of Sales to Firefighters

As much as Australia’s animals and wildlife are unique, its firefighters are also the exceptional heroes who have been facing the toughest conditions, saving every living being affected by the bushfires. Like many establishments around the country, Cafe Fiori in Kenmore Village Shopping Centre is also doing a bushfire fundraiser to benefit these modern-day conquerors working hard to keep Australian communities safe from harm.

On Saturday, the 18th of Jan 2020, Cafe Fiori will hold a bushfire fundraiser to benefit the firefighters. The restaurant has pledged to donate 50 percent of its sales on meals for this particular day to the Rural Firefighters of NSW.

“The devastation of the bushfires is nothing short of horrific. Here at Fiori, we feel passionately about supporting those souls who have given so much to their community and the communities of others,” the management of Cafe Fiori stated.

Whilst this is, in itself, a great reason to order food from Cafe Fiori, they will make your visit more exciting as they will also set face painting activities for the kids. Some superheroes in costumes are also scheduled to visit the cafe around 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

So, bring your whole family if you’d like to contribute to a worthy cause, eat good food and enjoy the activities!

Cafe Fiori will begin the fundraiser at 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For inquiries, phone +61 7 3878 2485.