Café might close due to parking dispute—locals speak out to save their favourite spot
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Community tensions can arise in the most unexpected places, sometimes even threatening the heart of beloved local businesses.
When passions run high, neighbours and patrons often come together in remarkable ways.
Read on to discover how one café became the centre of a heated dispute and the creative solutions pouring in to support it.
A Brisbane café has received an outpouring of support from the community amid allegations it is being pressured to give up a staff parking spot by neighbouring unit owners.
Blume Specialty Coffee, located on the Hornibrook Highway in Brighton, north Brisbane, has become the centre of a local dispute.
A concerned resident took to social media to rally support, claiming the café was facing ‘dirty tricks’ from unit owners who wanted access to one of the café’s leased parking spaces.
‘Blume Café being pressured by neighbouring unit owners (with dirty tricks) to give up one of their paid-for staff-parking spots at the back of the complex,’ the post read.
According to the post, the unit owners allegedly insisted their guests should be able to use the spot, despite it being included in the café’s lease agreement.
They reportedly filed complaints with the Brisbane City Council, resulting in the removal of Blume Café’s street signage.
‘The unit owners make a car blockade every weekend to take up about 5 street parking spots using 3 spaced-out cars,’ the post continued.
‘The blockade cars are moved out of the unit owners’ garages for this purpose.’
Social media users responded quickly, offering support and creative solutions to the issue.
‘Get car signs/magnets made with “Café Open” and park cars out the front with those signs in them,’ one suggested. ‘This won’t solve the parking issue but it will send a message to the mean neighbours. Get “Café Open” signs made for bicycles and park those out the front.’
Others proposed enlisting the local council’s help to designate nearby parking spaces as two-hour zones to discourage the unit owners from occupying the spaces long-term.
‘Write to the local councillor—or even better—call in to the office—requesting they waive council fees for the signage application due to cost of living pressures,’ one user advised.
Many community members expressed their admiration for the café and frustration at the alleged treatment it was receiving.
‘They are my local and are fantastic,’ one commenter shared. ‘My Saturday morning treat is walking to the dog park and stopping by for coffee. Their coffee is top-notch, and the staff are lovely. They allow the men’s shed across the road to sell a selection of wares as well, and the vibe is just great to boot. F*** these pricks trying to ruin their business.’
Some recommended that Blume Specialty Coffee encourage more cyclist patronage, noting it would bypass parking issues while increasing business.
‘Gather groups of cyclists who stop on their rides,’ one person suggested. ‘That’ll annoy the residents no end because: A) don’t need a parking space, so doesn’t get impacted by the parking bullshit they’re doing, B) lots of business, and C) cyclists usually bring solid return custom.’
Several locals accused the neighbours of bullying the café.
‘What a shame on those bullying the café! I was there just two days ago, the staff are so lovely, and the coffee was delicious,’ one said.
‘The café owner and staff are so nice, it has been really upsetting to see this bullying,’ another wrote.
Have you ever fought to keep one of your favourite spots open? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
When passions run high, neighbours and patrons often come together in remarkable ways.
Read on to discover how one café became the centre of a heated dispute and the creative solutions pouring in to support it.
A Brisbane café has received an outpouring of support from the community amid allegations it is being pressured to give up a staff parking spot by neighbouring unit owners.
Blume Specialty Coffee, located on the Hornibrook Highway in Brighton, north Brisbane, has become the centre of a local dispute.
A concerned resident took to social media to rally support, claiming the café was facing ‘dirty tricks’ from unit owners who wanted access to one of the café’s leased parking spaces.
‘Blume Café being pressured by neighbouring unit owners (with dirty tricks) to give up one of their paid-for staff-parking spots at the back of the complex,’ the post read.
According to the post, the unit owners allegedly insisted their guests should be able to use the spot, despite it being included in the café’s lease agreement.
They reportedly filed complaints with the Brisbane City Council, resulting in the removal of Blume Café’s street signage.
‘The unit owners make a car blockade every weekend to take up about 5 street parking spots using 3 spaced-out cars,’ the post continued.
‘The blockade cars are moved out of the unit owners’ garages for this purpose.’
Social media users responded quickly, offering support and creative solutions to the issue.
‘Get car signs/magnets made with “Café Open” and park cars out the front with those signs in them,’ one suggested. ‘This won’t solve the parking issue but it will send a message to the mean neighbours. Get “Café Open” signs made for bicycles and park those out the front.’
Others proposed enlisting the local council’s help to designate nearby parking spaces as two-hour zones to discourage the unit owners from occupying the spaces long-term.
‘Write to the local councillor—or even better—call in to the office—requesting they waive council fees for the signage application due to cost of living pressures,’ one user advised.
Many community members expressed their admiration for the café and frustration at the alleged treatment it was receiving.
‘They are my local and are fantastic,’ one commenter shared. ‘My Saturday morning treat is walking to the dog park and stopping by for coffee. Their coffee is top-notch, and the staff are lovely. They allow the men’s shed across the road to sell a selection of wares as well, and the vibe is just great to boot. F*** these pricks trying to ruin their business.’
Some recommended that Blume Specialty Coffee encourage more cyclist patronage, noting it would bypass parking issues while increasing business.
‘Gather groups of cyclists who stop on their rides,’ one person suggested. ‘That’ll annoy the residents no end because: A) don’t need a parking space, so doesn’t get impacted by the parking bullshit they’re doing, B) lots of business, and C) cyclists usually bring solid return custom.’
Several locals accused the neighbours of bullying the café.
‘What a shame on those bullying the café! I was there just two days ago, the staff are so lovely, and the coffee was delicious,’ one said.
‘The café owner and staff are so nice, it has been really upsetting to see this bullying,’ another wrote.
Have you ever fought to keep one of your favourite spots open? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
