The Local Shout Out: Snag and Brown

Here at The Local Agent we love giving credit where it is due, especially when it comes to supporting our neighbouring businesses in the Tarragindi area. A favourite lunch spot for company principals and local residents Ed and Peta is the quaint cafe on Ekibin Rd; Snag and Brown. Whether it is the inclusive atmosphere of the cafe or the scrumptious menu, we here at The Local Agent thought they deserved a bit of a shout-out for their stellar contribution to making the suburbs of Tarragindi/Annerley two of the most sought out areas to settle in Brisbane. In this same vein we decided to get a bit more background on the business and asked the question “Why here?”

For cafe owners Ric LaSpina and Steve Holmes, the decision to purchase the local venue on Ekibin Rd happened rather organically, “The venue was once the famous Azafran restaurant for 12 years and we were regular customers. When we discovered that it was for sale, we thought it would really make for an amazing brunch venue.” Ric said.

“It was originally a general store and then Dashing Food. So, it has stood the test of time as a commercial food property and will most definitely in years to come.”

Both Ric and Steve appreciate the historical value of the building as evidenced through their use of quirky, retro decor and antique cabinetry inside the homely breakfast spot. While many cafes today market themselves as “quirky hidden gems” Ric and Steve set themselves apart by setting up an outdoor area complete with a kids play area and doggy park so local families could enjoy their seasonal concept menu.

“We have had cafes in the city and this was our first weekend, pet friendly suburban cafe so we wanted the restaurant to stand out. We loved the idea of being the only shop on the street, to be a destination.” said Ric.

Ric and Steve have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and first worked together at a couple of cafes in Melbourne. When the opportunity arose to manage and renovate a coffee shop in Southport on the Gold Coast both jumped at the chance—packing up their lives and opening their first cafe. Missing the hustle and bustle of city life, the pair moved to Brisbane in 2010 and built cafes in Queen St, Adelaide St, Cathedral Square and of course Annerley.

When asked what drew them to the Annerley area, Ric and Steve put it down to the sense of community spirit and local pride.

“Our favourite thing about running a small business in the Tarragindi/Annerley area is building up a relationship with the locals in the area and knowing what coffee our regulars have. Their interest in our business and the pride that our locals have make us happy to provide a welcoming place to come for breakfast and lunch. ” said Ric.

“We are also very close with other cafes in the area such as Little Clive and Dudley St Espresso and love having a small business family who work together as locals for advice, support, new products, ideas and innovations in the cafe world. The sense of community and close partnership with other businesses and suppliers creates a support group which is quite rare in this industry.”

The pair also pride themselves on using local produce and catering for members of the community that require gluten free and vegan options, “We use Brisbane coffee roaster Bear Bones in Fortitude Valley, our sausages and bacon is supplied by Annerley Meats on Ipswich road who always go out of their way to help (even on Sunday—on their day off!!) and our milk, bread, fruit and vegetables are all locally sourced.”

While Ric and Steve love everything on their menu one dish stands out to the pair, their signature Snag & Brown complete with the snag of the day and the classic potato and rosemary hash brown.

Images sourced from the Snag and Brown Facebook page.