WITH a revamped premises and menu, McCourts Cafe is one of six businesses in Millicent to change ownership so far this year.
Sister-in-laws Madi and Rosie Thwaites were handed the keys to the courtyard cafe earlier this year, as Madi returned to the South East from Adelaide and Rosie – wife of Darcy Thwaites – relocated from Perth.
Madi said opening a cafe was something she had always aspired to do.
“When I heard that Maureen was selling McCourts I thought it was a great opportunity to do so.
“I believe it is important these local businesses stay in local hands.”
The Thwaites have revamped the cafe and its menu, keeping up with the latest health food and raw treat
trends.
“We did not really have these clean and raw dining out options available to us in Millicent before,” the duo said.
“So far we have received really positive feedback and support from everyone in the community.
“It’s been fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Sue Parish moved into the former Stockfeed and Saddlery site, which is now known as Sooz in the Shed.
After working decades in the hospitality industry, Ms Parish was ready for a change.
“I worked at Stockfeed and Saddlery once a week when it was open and I loved it,” she said, adding that when the business closed its doors she decided it was something that she wanted to take on full-time.
Like McCourts Cafe, Sooz in the Shed has received overwhelming support from the local community.
“The town has been awesome,” she said.
“In addition to local support, I have had loads of tourists coming in.
“I honestly cannot complain, I love it.”
Sooz in the Shed also supports the work of local artists, including Aboriginal carvings, wooden furniture, wood burnings and charcoal drawings.
Other business movements in the Millicent community include a change of ownership at Acky’s Deli, which is now in the hands of Mark and June Pilmore and the Millicent Community Club, which is run by Kerryn and Craig
Scudds.
In addition, Dapper Pizzeria opened under ownership of Tom Palmer and Southern Dragon Takeaway is set to open its doors to the community next week.
