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When Nicholas Hadji says Friday mornings are chaotic, it is not a complaint but an observation. Sugarbean Café is located at the big business end of town and apparently Thursday night is the big night of the week for the suits; every Friday morning sees an increased demand for coffee and any food to sate the appetite or defuse a hangover.

Nicholas and his brother Dimitri have been in the hospitality industry for years, operating several cafes. Sugarbean has been operating for two and a half years and the guys have ensured that the café appeals to the many neighbouring companies and not just the individual. “We get involved. We cater for their functions, we host their meetings. We get to know your company,” says Nicholas.

But they know the little guy too. “We know what coffee you drink, what you like for lunch,” Nicholas says, asserting that customers are more than just an order. “Knowing as many customers, personally, as possible is what we do. We know more about them than what coffee they like.”

And when it comes to coffee, Sugarbean Cafe offer two brands. Grinders is their main line while High Trees, a 100% organic premium coffee from northern NSW, gives customers an alternative. Sugarbean also serve a selection of teas from T2, and a drinking chocolate from South Africa.

“All the food we do is like at home, with Mumma in the kitchen,” Nicholas says. “We do pastas and grilled foods, and with our sandwiches we try and do something a little different; different fillings, different spreads.”

Sugarbean Cafe Shop 3, 50 Hunter St, Sydney Ph: 02 9232 2002Open 5 Days, Monday-Friday.

As featured in Cafe Society® magazine April 2008 Issue #54