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What’s your favourite new winter food item?
I enjoy making the new Salami Flatbread and Polpetti pizza. I also particularly enjoy making the soup as it allows me to be creative on a daily basis and tastes delicious. Coincidentally, it is also my favourite thing to eat for lunch!

 

How much planning and research did the new menu take?
I spent copious hours researching online, as well as going out to cafes to trial the latest developments in the food industry. This ensures that Merlo stays current with the local trends as well as being leaders in this area. I spent many late nights planning the structure for the new menu as I wanted it to be a well-developed and well-rounded menu with something to offer everyone.

 

How long have you been with Merlo?
I started working for Merlo Coffee in February 2015 as a Kitchen Attendant at UQ. Since then I have been fortunate enough to be offered the position of Kitchen Supervisor and Lead Menu Developer.

 

 

How long have you been in the food industry?
I started my food journey at the age of 17 working for a local bakery. From there I joined the army where I was trained professionally and was responsible for feeding 300 to 500 people a day! This gave me a real passion for food and one I carry with me to this day.

 

What changes have you seen in food offerings since you started with Merlo?
It has been a pleasure working closely with Lora and Jess from Merlo Retail Operations to develop the menu at Merlo. Since starting I have noticed a shift towards healthier options, which is in conjunction with industry standards and expectations. I have also noticed that we offer a wider variety which we rotate to ensure we have exciting new options for our regular customers.

 

What’s your favourite food to eat outside of work?
I like cooking hearty meals at home, so my favourite meal is slow cooked tomato and red wine lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.

 

 

What do you think customers are looking to eat when they come in?
Merlo has a reputation for serving high quality products, so customers have come to expect this not only from their coffee but also their food.

I think for any business, customers want value for money and variety, as well as fast and efficient customer service, which Merlo has proven to deliver constantly.

On campus here at UQ, our customers are definitely focused on eating healthier options, as well as the occasional treat!

 

If you had to pick one thing to eat for a week from our menu, what would it be?
It being winter now, I’m really enjoying eating the soup of the day with toasted Turkish bread, lathered with butter.

 

Thursday 13 September is a national day of action that aims to start life-changing conversations with three words: “Are you ok?”

Merlo Coffee are again supporting R U OK? Day in their important work towards a vision of a world where all people are connected and are protected from suicide.

Supporting those struggling with life can be as simple as learning R U OK?’s four steps so that you can have a conversation that could change a life.

1. Ask
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Asking can make a big difference
Visit your nearest Merlo Coffee Torrefazione or Espresso Bar on Thursday 13 September and have a conversation with a friend over 2-for-1 coffee – any size, takeaway or dine-in!

Have a conversation over 2-for-1 coffee from:

• 12pm – 2pm at Merlo Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne)
• 1pm – 3pm at Merlo South Bank
• 2pm – 4pm at all other Merlo Coffee locations

We’d love to see how you make a difference on R U OK? Day, so be sure to tag us on social media using the hashtags #RUOK and #merlocoffee!

 

Merlo is once again proudly supporting R U OK? Day on Thursday 12 September.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘trust the signs, trust your gut and ask R U OK?’. The day raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages conversations that could change a life over coffee.

The vision of R U OK? is a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide. You can check out their website or the video below for an explanation of their impact and some handy tips to help you start a life changing conversation.

 

In support of R U OK? Day on Thursday 12 September, all stores will be providing a buy-one-get-one-free deal, through the purchase of any size hot drink, both takeaway and dine-in. This deal will be available over the following periods of time, depending on the store:

Melbourne QVM: 12 – 2pm

All other stores: 2 – 4pm

During this time, you will receive a free hot drink item of the equivalent value of your original purchase – e.g. 8oz takeaway purchased receives a free 8oz takeaway; 16oz takeaway receives a free 16oz takeaway; mug dine-in receives mug dine-in and so on (available for specified period of time on this day only).

Why not get down to one of our stores with a friend, colleague, loved one or neighbour on Thursday and get connected, we’ll see you there!