A true community cafe

Krash & Co co-owner Ashley Beyer. (Supplied)

Oliver Lees

Sunbury cafe Krash & Co has taken out two prizes at this year’s Hume Business Awards.

Owned by husband and wife duo Nicole Robinson-Beyerand Ashley Beyer, the cafe was recognised as the Business Leader of the Year as well as in the Visitor Economy category.

In 2016, the pair started the business at the age of 25 at a location on Brooke Street.

Ms Robinson-Beyer said she was honoured to receive the recognition after a difficult 18 months.

She said she believed their focus on working with other local businesses had been the key to the cafe’s success.

“Buying local, hiring local, everything was about keeping it local,” she said.

“We saw so much potential in Sunbury, we didn’t feel the need to look for suppliers elsewhere. If it wasn’t for that ethos, we wouldn’t have half the connections we have with the people today.

“Ashley also wanted to bring food that was dietary sensitive. Paleo, gluten free, those sort of things, there wasn’t a lot of that in Sunbury at the time.

“It really just opens doors and starts conversations when people know you’re open to collaborating and supporting one another.”

Now in a newer, bigger location on Evans Street, Ms Robinson-Beyer said she was looking forward to serving the community with less restrictions in the way.

Applications for the 2022 Hume Business Awards will open in May next year.