For the past 20 years, Gloria Jean’s Coffees at Colonnades has been serving more than just great coffee. It’s been a place where friendships have formed, milestones have been celebrated and a community has come together, one cup at a time.

Since opening in 2006, owner Argy has become a familiar face to thousands of customers, many of whom have been visiting since day one.

“I remember being incredibly nervous when we first opened,” Argy laughs. “But I quickly realised that while making great coffee was important, it was really about the people. Making someone feel welcome and putting a smile on their face was just as important as the coffee in their cup.”

More than just a coffee shop

Over two decades, Gloria Jean’s has become part of the daily routine for generations of southern families.

“We still have customers who have been coming in since the day we opened,” says Argy. “Some of them visit every single day.”

Those relationships have become much more than customer interactions. Argy and his team have celebrated weddings, babies and life milestones alongside their regulars, while also supporting customers through more difficult times.

“They’re not just customers to us. They’re part of our extended Gloria Jean’s family.”

The community connection extends beyond the café doors, with the team regularly supporting local causes, community organisations and families through giveaways, competitions and charitable initiatives.

A love story brewed at Gloria Jean’s

One of the most special chapters in the Gloria Jean’s story happened right inside the café.

Argy’s wife, Lisa, had been a customer since opening day. After months of admiring her from afar, it was Argy’s parents who finally stepped in to help spark a conversation.

“My dad walked straight up and introduced himself,” Argy recalls. “The rest is history.”

Today, the husband-and-wife team work side by side, sharing a passion for both the business and the local community.

“This store is part of our love story,” says Argy. “It’s where it all began.”

## 20 years of memories

When asked about his proudest moments, Argy doesn’t immediately talk about awards or business achievements.

“Meeting Lisa is definitely at the top of the list,” he says. “But I’m also proud of the friendships we’ve built, watching families grow and seeing familiar faces return year after year.”

One lesson that has stayed with him came from one of the store’s very first customers.

After being told a coffee wasn’t quite right, Argy remade it without hesitation. The customer returned, declared it “bloody brilliant” and became a loyal regular for years to come.

“That experience taught me that it’s not about getting everything perfect every time. It’s about looking after people and making sure they leave happy.”

A store that continues to evolve

Gloria Jean’s Colonnades following its 2018 refurbishment.

While much has changed over the past 20 years, Gloria Jean’s commitment to great coffee and genuine customer service has remained the same. The store underwent a refurbishment in 2018, creating the modern café space customers enjoy today.

The evolution isn’t stopping there. To kick off the next chapter, the store is set to undergo another refurbishment in January 2027, ensuring Gloria Jean’s Colonnades continues to provide a welcoming space for customers for years to come.

Join the 20th birthday celebration

To thank the community for two decades of support, Gloria Jean’s Colonnades is hosting a special 20th birthday celebration on Saturday 7 November.

Customers can enjoy:

• 2006 prices on all hot drinks
• $5 Chillers all day
• FREE coffees from 12pm-1pm
• Spin-to-Win prizes and giveaways
• Birthday cookies and drink samples
• A special photo wall
• FREE face painting from 1:30pm-3:30pm

“We wanted to celebrate the people who made this milestone possible,” says Argy. “Our customers, staff, families and local community have all helped us get here. This is our chance to say thank you.”

Looking ahead

Twenty years on, Gloria Jean’s Colonnades continues to evolve, with new menu offerings, exciting products on the horizon and the same commitment to exceptional customer service.

“I hope customers always feel welcomed, valued and part of our Gloria Jean’s family,” Argy says.

Because after 20 years, one thing hasn’t changed: Gloria Jean’s Colonnades isn’t just about making great coffee. It’s about making someone’s day a little more glorious.