Opening a new business can be challenging at the best of times, let alone during lockdown.
But for the ambitious Ermington resident, Su Mi Shin, this would not stand in the way of realising her dream to open a new trendy cafe in her suburb.
Cafe4TY7 is the latest, Instagram-worthy breakfast and brunch spot, bringing smiles to the people of Ermington during this difficult time.
Even though the circumstances are far from ideal, Ms Shin said the support and positivity from the community so far has been heartening to see.
“Living in Ermington I was always looking for a brunch cafe and would always go to Rydalmere or West Ryde instead, so I thought why don’t I open my own?” she said.
“When I bought the property everyone told me I was crazy and I got a bit scared but I just supported my decision and went ahead with the renovations.”
After six months of refurbishments, Ms Shin said it was really difficult to see the COVID-19 situation escalating around her but was determined to open as planned.
“Once they were done, we were in lockdown but I couldn’t wait,” she said.
“I wanted to open for the workers I had already interviewed and I wanted to open for the community.”
Situated at 47 Boronia Street, Ermington Cafe4TY7 offers a mouthwatering range of breakfast and brunch options as well as delicious coffee made from Pablo & Rusty roasted beans.
The gorgeous cottage-like cafe will be the perfect meet spot once lockdown is lifted, but for now is only offering takeaway.
“We are so excited to welcome our customers in-house once this lockdown is over but for now we are just open for take-away,” she said.
“We are so grateful for all the kind people that have popped in so far, Ermington really has the loveliest people.
“We deserve a nice cafe spot for everyone and I just hope everyone loves it.”
As Greater Sydney grapples with the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and harsh lockdowns, now more than ever is a great time to shop small and support local businesses!
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.