“It’s not just about food: it’s about being there for people in our community,” says Ivy Zhang, Co-Owner of Groove Café in Ocean Grove, Victoria, with her husband Tony.
Beyond the food and coffee, Ivy says a strong sense of community spirit has shaped the café’s identity.
“We wanted to create a welcoming space for our community, a place where people enjoyed each other’s company over coffee and conversations,” she says.
In 2008, a new chapter began for the couple, who had just arrived in Australia. Enrolling in a hospitality course, Ivy quickly found a connection within the local community, starting a journey that would lead to the Zhangs taking over the reins of Groove Café in 2015.
The venue in the beachside town has blossomed into a hub for residents because of its commitment to service, including free local deliveries for those unable to visit. Catering to the plethora of tastes among the area’s families, its menu features a diverse array of affordable dishes, including risottos and salads.
Groove Café pairs its food offering with Piazza D’Oro’s Mezzo blend. The medium roast has been a staple of the café since it was established, delivering flavours of milk chocolate, caramel, and toffee in the cup, which the Zhangs say is one of the reasons customers keep returning.
Looking to the future, Ivy says preserving the community spirit is the duo’s upmost priority as they work to ensure their team’s happiness. They understand that Groove Café is often a temporary pitstop for young people looking for part-time work as they study or make a career decision, and want to make sure their workers have a positive and fulfilling time during their tenure – no matter how long.
“We’re creating a space to give young people an opportunity to work and learn valuable skills for the future, even if hospitality may not be their long-term career choice,” says Ivy.
“We want our café to be a place where people feel valued.”
GROOVE CAFÉ
56 Wallington Road,
Ocean Grove, Victoria, 3226
Open Monday to Friday 6am to 5pm, Saturday 6.30am to 4pm,
Sunday 7am to 4pm
This article appears in the December/January 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
