The community cafe has been serving the Prospect area for more than 20 years and has been a key venue in promoting the live music scene in Adelaide.
After hearing the news that the café would not be able to remain open, new owners Mel Millard and Amber Grosser were inspired to save the iconic venue at the eleventh hour.
Coming from hospitality backgrounds, the community-minded pair are excited to own a business with a passion for supporting local live music and bringing people together.
Mel and Amber have been involved in the leadership and profitability of iconic Adelaide brands including OTR and Foodland, they have extensive experience in building teams and have a passion for South Australian communities. Mel has also worked with the women led and made Sparkke Change Beverage Co and Roberta’s Italian Disco Diner at the Fringe.
The hyper-local community focus of Komodo is an exciting project for the two of them, and they are looking forward to getting back to their barista roots on the coffee machine.
Mel said, “Komodo is a unique part of hospitality history – seeing it close would be utterly heartbreaking. As a venue, it has all of our passions rolled into one – music, art, food and a laid back comfortable vibe. The baton has been passed to us and we feel a responsibility to give back to an industry doing it tough.”
Cafe Komodo will keep favourites on the much-loved menu, which includes an all-day breakfast, brunch, burgers, and children’s menu. All the food is made in–house with fresh local ingredients and many vegan and gluten-free options.
Mel continued, “The community has told us they love the menu, so we’ll keep the favourites, for sure. I am creative by nature, so some surprises are inevitable. You can continue to expect a warm and welcoming menu – including plant based, gluten free and sourcing ingredients locally first.”
The community cafe was also recently upgraded including three new unisex toilets and a commercial-grade kitchen to allow for larger catered functions and events. The space is cosy and homely, with mismatched vintage furniture and strings of fairy lights.
Mel concluded, “Inclusivity is important to us, we’ll stay true to Komodo’s roots in making sure everyone feels welcome – even the puppies. We see it as a hub to come together and enjoy the good things in life.
“We bring so much passion! Feeding people is in our nature – our life’s work. It’s time to turn the page of a new chapter, in our own venue – Cafe Komodo”.
Cafe Komodo opens 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, with plans to open Friday and Saturday nights in the future.
Image credit: Frankie the Creative
118 Prospect Rd, Prospect
