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When Jay and Angeline Barthaw decided to take a leap of faith and enter the world of café ownership, they saw Curly’s on the Corner as the perfect opportunity.
“The café was well known on the northern beaches of Sydney and had a great community feel, so it made our decision to take the plunge much easier,” says Jay.
The couple thought it was important not to change too much when they took over, keeping the vibe welcoming and familiar for the locals who’ve visited for over 20 years. With its blue and white beach-hut style and a laid-back, surfy feel, the café fits right into its coastal surrounds.
“It’s where people can come in after a surf or swim to relax with a cup of good coffee and chat with friends,” says Jay.
“We wanted to put our mark on it, but felt it was more important to pay our respects to the previous owners.”
Thanks to the strong community it has created over the years, Curly’s on the Corner has established itself not only as a café for good food and coffee but also as a meeting place for the busy suburban town.
“We have a lot of regulars who come in every day and we know all their names,” says Jay.
To suit the palate of the café’s more mature audience, Jay and Angeline wanted a bold medium roast that would be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They decided to work with Sydney roaster Paradox Coffee Roasters, which now supplies its Penny Lane blend for all of Curly’s on the Corner’s serves.
“I wanted something that was strong in taste. Penny Lane is rich in flavour and has notes of chocolate, which our customers love. They’re looking for a great-tasting coffee with nicely textured milk. With Paradox Coffee Roasters we’ve been able provide that,” he says.
For food, the menu centres around a long-standing Curly’s staple: the breakfast roll.
“Food is our strong point. We’re famous for our bacon and do a lot of rolls,” says Jay.
“Our most well-known roll is our Curly Roll, which comprises cheese, avocado, sweet chilli, and, of course, bacon. Paired with a coffee, it’s the best combination as it really brings out all the flavours.”
For Jay and Angeline, the most important thing going forward is focusing on their customers while maintaining the café’s status as a communal hub of activity.
“The most rewarding part of taking over the café has been getting to know the locals. We have started to make a connection with them and we are so grateful for their support,” says Jay.
Curly’s on the Corner
77 Pitt Road, North Curl Curl, New South Wales, 2099
Open Monday to Sunday, 6.30am to 2.30pm
This article appears in the August 2024 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
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