With 14 cafes in the New South Wales area under his belt, it’s safe to say Charlotte Café Founder and CEO Jason Ghebar knows a thing or two about running a successful coffee business.
The latest addition to the collective is in Forestville, northern Sydney. Like its sister venues, Charlotte Forestville is weaving itself in the fabric of the local community. With a courtyard showered in bougainvilleas and jasmines, travertine paved flooring, and archways framing the ceiling, the café has its own unique style.
“I got into the business at the right time when I first opened Birchgrove 18 years ago,” says Jason.
“After I opened my second café in Manly, I was on a roll. I had some great partnerships that developed along the way and realised I was capable of opening more shops. I got in at the right time and rode the wave.”
According to the CEO, being able to build a successful café and then sustaining it is what business is all about.
“Consistency with your staff and your product is so important for the customer,” he says.
“I also own some of the properties at our locations. I didn’t want to have someone else in control of my destiny. It’s been a real strength in the business. We have a lot of buying power, and a lot of negotiating power with our suppliers because of how strong we are.”
Across his 14 cafés, for Jason choosing Campos Coffee as Charlotte’s roaster partner was a no brainer.
“They are the most consistent and have offered me the most support in our business. They haven’t put a foot wrong,” says Jason.
“Businesses are built on the back of relationships. I could call Campos tomorrow and say I’m going to open another store and they’ll say no problem, let’s go, and all my equipment would be ready for me.”
Having the right equipment for the operations of a café is paramount to not only the smooth sailing during opening hours but also the job satisfaction of the team.
“We do have the best equipment from Barista Group,” says Jason.
“I think Joe [Chalhoub, Barista Group General Manager] is at the top of his game. We have a really good relationship and I’ve always told him I want to be a guinea pig. I respect what he does in the business. There aren’t a lot of people with his knowledge and I’m glad to have that relationship with him.”
The Forestville venue has been kitted out with equipment from Barista Group.
“I just love to have all the stuff and all the little gadgets because it helps with your staff who have to stand for seven hours a day,” Jason says.
“Having state-of-the-art equipment can make all the difference.”
As of May 2025, Charlotte Cafés can be found in Birchgrove, Manly, Pennant Hills, ATP – Eveleigh, Boronia Park, Cammeray, Lindfield, Balgowlah, Bondi Junction, Wollongong, Campbelltown, Drummoyne, and Forestville.
Charlotte Café Forestville
22 The Centre, Forestville,
New South Wales, 2087
Open Monday to Saturday 6am to 4pm, Sunday 6.30am to 4pm
This article appears in the June 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
