Aussies flock to small café that defies inflation with $2.50 coffee
- Replies 4
In the bustling streets of Melbourne, where the cost of living can often soar as high as the city's iconic skyscrapers, finding a bargain can feel like discovering a rare treasure.
For coffee aficionados and budget-conscious seniors alike, Café Perri in Carnegie is that treasure, serving up a steaming cup of espresso for a mere $2.50.
Yes, you read that right—in an era where a cup of coffee can cost as much as a gourmet sandwich, this café is turning heads with its throwback prices.
Owner Jimmy Perri is a man with a vision that resonates with many: high quality at low prices.
It's a simple philosophy, but one that has seen his café thrive with bustling activity and a growing loyal customer base.
Since relocating from Melbourne's central business district in September of the previous year, Café Perri has become a beacon for those seeking refuge from the inflated prices that often accompany city living.
'I haven't seen these prices for 15 to 20 years,' exclaimed one astonished customer, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who step through the doors of this quaint establishment.
And it's not just the prices that are causing a stir; patrons are quick to praise the quality of the brews, which are described as ‘exceptionally good’, defying the common expectation that lower prices mean a compromise on quality.
But the surprises at Café Perri don't stop with the coffee.
The food menu is equally wallet-friendly, with pasta dishes starting at a humble $5 and pizzas that begin at $7. It's a haven for those who want to enjoy a meal out without an exorbitant bill at the end.
One customer wrote: ‘Coffee and chai is exceptional. Pasta is so good and so cheap. Pizza is excellent, and dough is made fresh onsite.’
‘A nice small local cafe near the train station. Affordable prices on coffee, pizza and pasta from the menu. Friendly service with warm smile,’ another posted.
‘Stumbled across Cafe Perri for the first time a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at not only how amazing the coffee was, but also how delicious the food was!’ a third customer shared.
‘The service was amazing as I felt very welcomed and well treated by all staff. I have been coming back here almost every day for my morning coffee, and I would highly recommend it for a nice relaxing vibe and a happy full stomach!’ they added.
Jimmy Perri's approach to business is as refreshing as his beverages.
While he acknowledges that his margins are slimmer than his competitors', he believes in the power of volume—and it seems to be working.
Despite some naysayers in the industry labelling his pricing strategy as ‘unsustainable’, Perri stands firm, with no plans to raise his prices in the near future.
It's worth noting that Perri's ability to maintain these prices is partly due to his unique situation. Unlike many café owners, he doesn't grapple with the burden of rent, though he does have a mortgage to consider.
This advantage allows him a degree of flexibility that is not often afforded to small business owners in such a competitive market.
Source: 9 News Melbourne/Facebook
Café Perri represents more than just a place to get an affordable cup of coffee; it's a reminder that value and quality can coexist and that supporting local businesses can lead to delightful discoveries.
So next time you're in Carnegie, why not pop into Café Perri and enjoy a taste of the good old days, where a couple of coins can still buy you a moment of joy in a cup.
This news comes after several customers slammed different cafes for their exorbitant prices, such as $27 avocado on toast, $19 on poached eggs, and a $18 surcharge on takeaway banana bread.
Do you have a similar place in your area, members? Share your stories in the comments below!
For coffee aficionados and budget-conscious seniors alike, Café Perri in Carnegie is that treasure, serving up a steaming cup of espresso for a mere $2.50.
Yes, you read that right—in an era where a cup of coffee can cost as much as a gourmet sandwich, this café is turning heads with its throwback prices.
Owner Jimmy Perri is a man with a vision that resonates with many: high quality at low prices.
It's a simple philosophy, but one that has seen his café thrive with bustling activity and a growing loyal customer base.
A small café in Melbourne is attracting customers due to its low prices. Image source: Unsplash
Since relocating from Melbourne's central business district in September of the previous year, Café Perri has become a beacon for those seeking refuge from the inflated prices that often accompany city living.
'I haven't seen these prices for 15 to 20 years,' exclaimed one astonished customer, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who step through the doors of this quaint establishment.
And it's not just the prices that are causing a stir; patrons are quick to praise the quality of the brews, which are described as ‘exceptionally good’, defying the common expectation that lower prices mean a compromise on quality.
But the surprises at Café Perri don't stop with the coffee.
The food menu is equally wallet-friendly, with pasta dishes starting at a humble $5 and pizzas that begin at $7. It's a haven for those who want to enjoy a meal out without an exorbitant bill at the end.
One customer wrote: ‘Coffee and chai is exceptional. Pasta is so good and so cheap. Pizza is excellent, and dough is made fresh onsite.’
‘A nice small local cafe near the train station. Affordable prices on coffee, pizza and pasta from the menu. Friendly service with warm smile,’ another posted.
‘Stumbled across Cafe Perri for the first time a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at not only how amazing the coffee was, but also how delicious the food was!’ a third customer shared.
‘The service was amazing as I felt very welcomed and well treated by all staff. I have been coming back here almost every day for my morning coffee, and I would highly recommend it for a nice relaxing vibe and a happy full stomach!’ they added.
Jimmy Perri's approach to business is as refreshing as his beverages.
While he acknowledges that his margins are slimmer than his competitors', he believes in the power of volume—and it seems to be working.
Despite some naysayers in the industry labelling his pricing strategy as ‘unsustainable’, Perri stands firm, with no plans to raise his prices in the near future.
It's worth noting that Perri's ability to maintain these prices is partly due to his unique situation. Unlike many café owners, he doesn't grapple with the burden of rent, though he does have a mortgage to consider.
This advantage allows him a degree of flexibility that is not often afforded to small business owners in such a competitive market.
Source: 9 News Melbourne/Facebook
Café Perri represents more than just a place to get an affordable cup of coffee; it's a reminder that value and quality can coexist and that supporting local businesses can lead to delightful discoveries.
So next time you're in Carnegie, why not pop into Café Perri and enjoy a taste of the good old days, where a couple of coins can still buy you a moment of joy in a cup.
This news comes after several customers slammed different cafes for their exorbitant prices, such as $27 avocado on toast, $19 on poached eggs, and a $18 surcharge on takeaway banana bread.
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