Meet the team

Hi, we are Mel and Michael. We are the owners of Relish.

We are the third custodians of Relish Café, and in the last 10.5 years, we have built a brand that hosts our community Monday through to Saturday. We are proud of the space we have created and the people we have working alongside us daily. We are married and have two boys, 13 and 11 and a puppy who we adore, so when we are not in the café, we can be found running around after them, with schooling, sporting, puppy training school and with social commitments. On our Sundays which are cherished family days, we can be found wandering (and eating) at the Evandale Markets, driving to walk along a beach somewhere or enjoying a slow day in our home, getting ready for the week ahead.

 

Mel

I love food and love to eat, cook and explore different cuisines and recipes.  I also love to make coffee and am always wanting to pour the perfect latte.  I am proud of the state I grew up in and all things local and artisan and am so happy that this approach is more evident and widely practised within our community than ever before.   I have a great love for our industry and the people and possibilities within it. 

I adore my husband, who is also my business partner and I love working with him each day.  Travel is a great love of mine,  and although I have travelled extensively, I look forward to doing this again more frequently.  My two favourite places in the world to be are Port Douglas and Paris where I can readily indulge in my favourite things - great food, cheese and bread, wine, margaritas and great conversations

Michael

I love to cook, in fact, I am always thinking about food in some form, whether it is cooking, baking, experimenting, eating, or looking at recipes – it is such a passion for me.  I also love to keep active, so I make time to regularly get to the gym.  I am a collector of Hot wheels, mostly Japanese cars, and also love building and driving remote control cars.  I collect basketball cards and trade regularly with my two boys.  I will watch and enjoy almost every sport but am an avid Canberra Raiders and the NSW Blues fan, always have been, always will be.

I drink a flat white, and until recently, you would rarely hear me reject an offer of coffee.  I love to drink and make beer, drink wine and I really enjoy a good negroni.

I have always wanted to be in this industry, I enjoy the art of teaching and sharing skills with others.  I am proud to open the doors every day and see people enjoying the space that we have created, we hope to share more places and spaces in time with you.

ISAAC

I’m Isaac, and I am the youngest team member at Relish. I’m a lover of basketball—whether I’m playing with friends or watching my favourite teams playing. When I’m not on the court, you’ll probably find me fishing by the water or riding my bike around where we live. I’ve also developed a keen interest in electric scooters and bikes, and I’m working towards getting one of my own very soon.

I go to St Patrick’s College, where I enjoy learning and taking on new challenges. I’m lucky to have a good group of friends and I catch the bus to and from school most days.

At home, I’m a dog lover, and my best mate is Maverick, our Staff cross. Whether we’re playing outside or just hanging out, he’s great company.  He’s only 6 months old, so he is very fast, playful and cheeky.

I’m not a coffee drinker just yet, but I do enjoy a good kombucha or bubble tea. I also love traveling to new places, whether it’s a quick trip or a bigger adventure. One day, I look forward to exploring more of Asia and Europe with my family, experiencing different cultures, and, of course, trying all the amazing food along the way.

Vee

Hi, I’m Vee! I’m a Barista at Relish and a fulltime mum and wife.

You’ll find me behind the coffee machine, chatty sometimes, smiling at most times. It’s me!

I’ve been in Australia since 2011 and moved to Tassie in 201. It was such a life-changing decision. At first, I was so afraid and worried because everything about this beautiful island was so different from the “mainland” (I learned this word only after I moved to Tassie). Soon I realised it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. My husband and I love every single thing here, especially the people, the weather, the landscape, the nature… Thus, we decided to settle down on this land and welcomed our daughter, Gracie.

When I first met Mel for my interview, I felt very welcomed and comfortable talking with this beautiful lady and was eager to be a part of the team. So, Mel and Michael gave me a chance and I started working at Relish in February 2021, really hoping I could contribute to this wonderful business for so much longer. I’ve learned that “There is no such thing as can’t” (Thanks to Jorja so I know how to state this in English).

What makes me feel so in love with my job? Well, it allows me to present myself, to be what I am (chatty, love seeing and caring for others…). Secondly, Relish’ has been the best workplace for me so far. The crew is very supportive and makes me feel like we are a FAMILY (even outside of work). Especially, the management is very flexible and caring for all individuals to ensure we have a “work-life balance”. Lastly, I have the chance to meet and talk with so many lovely customers, and they’ve become a part of my ordinary life.

I love playing with Gracie, socialising, and travelling. I REALLY enjoy cooking. When I’m not doing these things, you can find me relaxing with a coffee (latte, full cream milk, no sugar) or catching up on my favourite dramas.

MeRISSA

I started my adventure in hospitality here at Relish and I am excited about all the opportunities that this industry can provide. I’m very close to completing my certificate 3 in Hospitality and one day I may even travel and work in Paris, I’ve always wanted to go there!

I love to cook, to draw and paint. I enjoy listening to music when I have down time and I also look forward and plan to try and do new things.

I feel like hospitality suits me well as I love to make people happy and make them smile, I Iove to chat, laugh with people and build relationships.

ADRIAN

Hi, I’m Adrian!

I am a passionate learner who loves helping our customers out! I’m still learning every day and always appreciate advice and encouragement.

Relish was my first ‘real’ job and I’ve grown to love every aspect. I started out in our kitchen washing dishes and when I’m not helping in the back you can find me out the front on Saturdays and during Holidays.

Our friendly team has been the most wonderful, supportive group to help teach me new skills and I feel so blessed to come into work every time not to mention our amazing regular customers who have supported me through my learning journey.

I love crafting, especially crochet and I’m a learner of the French language (though I can’t say I’m all that fluent)

I’m always ready to have a conversation and talk to our lovely customers!


Stephanie

My name is Stephanie. I came to Australia to study Patisserie and Hospitality, and I have been in and around it since then. 

I have recently become and Mum and at the moment I am enjoying some special time at home with Thea, which is why you haven’t seen me in the cafe for a while.

I love my lattes, and in my spare time, I really enjoy watching different videos about recipes for different foods and baked goods.

Not long after I came to Launceston, I met the Relish family, and it has been such an incredible journey of learning and building relationships with everyone.

AMELIA

My name is Amelia,

I am 21 years old with a very bubbly personality and I enjoy meeting people in the community.

This year I have been fortunate enough for Relish Cafe to welcome me as a volunteer. I am very excited to be given the opportunity  to be part of the Relish family and learn new skills.

When I am not at Relish, I enjoy swimming, basketball, shopping and spending time with my family.

My favourite colour is red and I love a hot chocolate. I love to eat Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine.

Since starting at Relish I have learnt some new skills and enjoy working in a team- with my support worker Molly along side.

Currently I fold polishing cloths, wipe tables and clean the glass in the venue. One day I would love to be able to take drinks to tables.