Basketball and hard work have always gone hand in hand for Marty McLean. He played more than 130 games for the Newcastle Falcons in the National Basketball League from 1991 to 1997.
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Now, it's part of his business, you might say.
McLean and his wife Fiona (and their children, who work in the business) celebrate the grand opening of their The Coffee Club franchise cafe in Wickham (2/38 Hannell Street) on the ground floor of the Stella apartment complex on Friday, December 3.
Customers will be able to catch an NBA game or NBL game with fellow fans on one of the televisions in the cafe, which opened its doors in November.
While the McLeans operate a holiday cleaning and linen service at Port Stephens, the timing is right for the move into hospitality with The Coffee Club franchise, Marty McLean says.
"This is the place, down here," he says, with a view to the intersection of Honeysuckle Drive and Hannell Street. "What's happening here over the next five years will be amazing."
He's already begun to win the loyalty of the 148 apartments directly above him.
"There are so many positives, I'm ecstatic. The entrance to Honeysuckle precinct is right here. The tram is right there. All the new residential developments that are happening around us, it's fantastic."
McLean is also excited by the fact his franchise is the first store that combines The Coffee Club brand (known for breakfast, brunch and lunch) with Burgers With Bite, a new retail brand that has been successful as a virtual (online) brand for the parent company.
The cafe opens at 6.30am every day. At 3.30pm, with the flick of a switch, all the signage flips to Burgers With Bite and the vibe turns to beer, wine, cocktails, pizza, chicken wings, burgers and steak.
"The whole thing changes, it's quite amazing," he says. "We are not aware of another franchise that changes their branding at midday. For The Coffee Club, this is their first concept store."
The Coffee Club's classic Eggs Benedict is a menu standout, and Burger With Bites' Outback Stack burger looks like a star, too.
All meat is sourced through Hunter Valley Premium Meats, and Newcastle Chilli Bros is a supplier too, as well as Agnew Wines.
Burgers With Bite's menu is also available for delivery through online channels.
Jim Kellar
Jim Kellar writes about culture, art, food, drinks and music. He's been a journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1997. jkellar@newcastleherald.com.au
Jim Kellar writes about culture, art, food, drinks and music. He's been a journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1997. jkellar@newcastleherald.com.au
