Celebrating its 20th year under the sun in 2021, Denim Co was started by Fara and Evy Sutjipto, two sisters who combined two seemingly mismatched passions.
“Evy’s always had an interest in fashion and I’ve always been involved in hospitality,” says Fara. “After a visit to Europe, we were inspired by the retail venues that put fashion and hospitality together and wanted to bring it to Brisbane.”
Originating as a boutique denim store with good quality basics, Denim Co has now progressed to a wider selection of fashion items with the café adding extra dine-in seats in 2015 to match the area’s growing popularity.
Serving up comforting café food such as the Big Breakfast, Croissant Benedict, and Canadian Waffles, Denim Co also offers Italian inspired dishes like Nonna’s Lasagne and the Garlic Bread Meatball Sub.
“I feel our offering and vibe is classic, consistent, and on trend, which is reflected through our venue, food, and drink offering,” says Fara.
“Since day one, we have served an authentic Italian Peach dessert, which is a sponge cake soaked in Galliano with custard in the middle. Our Italian Hot Chocolate has also been one of our recognised items.”
Serving up Lavazza’s ¡Tierra! Brazil coffee blend alongside these Italian style dishes, Fara says the roaster’s Italian heritage was something that resonated with them and their clients.
“We have a great relationship with Lavazza and our sales rep. When visiting Italy nine years ago, we were invited to the roastery in Turin, Italy. It was a great experience seeing their attention to detail,” Fara says.
Across its 20 years of experience, the café has faced and overcome many challenges.
“We endured the 2011 Brisbane floods, did two major renovations in 2008 and 2016, and overcame the G20 Summit which shut down South Bank’s roads and cafés,” says Fara. “And, of course, survived COVID and all the lockdowns.”
Through it all, Fara says, the café has maintained much of its long-term staff.
“Some of our staff have been with us for over eight years. The service we provide is homely, refreshing, and comfortable,” says Fara. “We also constantly evolve with the market, which I find is a unique factor.
“For the future, we want to continue to evolve with the industry and provide the best quality and service.”
Denim Co
Shop 9A, Little Stanley Street, South Bank, Queensland 4101
Open Sunday to Thursday 6am to 5pm, Friday to Saturday 6am to 9pm.
(07) 3844 0302