Sixteen years ago, Viv Xiao arrived in Hobart with no real plan to stay. Like many students finding their feet in a new country, hospitality simply offered the most accessible work. But the longer he spent in cafés, the more he was drawn to it.
The craft of coffee, the connection with customers, and the sense of community that forms around a good café – this was his calling.
Today, alongside his wife Alicia Liu, Viv operates two venues in the Tasmanian capital: Vilicia Coffee and Bear With Me café. Both reflect a journey that began behind the bar of someone else’s business but gradually evolved into a desire to build something of his own.
“The more I worked in hospitality, the more I liked it,” Viv says. “Eventually I realised I wanted to do my own thing.”
Vilicia Coffee came first, opening as an espresso bar. But after a couple of years, Viv and Alicia were ready to expand their ambitions. Bear With Me followed, introducing a full kitchen and allowing the couple to broaden their offering beyond coffee alone.
Coffee, however, remains the backbone of the business. The cafés have served ONA Coffee for the past decade, while the team focuses heavily on upskilling and consistency behind the bar.
“We’re very proud of what we’re doing,” Viv says. “Our baristas are well trained, and if you treat your staff well, they’ll do great things.”
That commitment extends to the dairy and alternative milk in use. Bear With Me partners with MILKLAB, a relationship Viv says praises for its reliability and quality.
“No matter who the representative is, their team always looks after us very well,” he says. “They know their product, and the milk is very consistent, which is important for us. Our customers love it.”
Food plays an equally important role at Bear With Me. Drawing on Viv’s Asian heritage and the experience of kitchen staff who previously worked in Melbourne venues, including Chin Chin, the menu blends comfort and creativity. Dishes such as the peanut butter tofu bao and caramelised sticky pork have become customer favourites.
When Viv reflects on the journey, the café’s success ultimately comes back to the community around it.
“Hobart is a special place,” he says. “It’s quiet compared to other cities, but people really support each other here. I’m very proud of where we are.”
BEAR WITH ME
399 Macquarie Street, South Hobart, Tasmania, 7004
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 3pm.
This article appears in the April 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
