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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Amy Martin

Drive-through coffee comes to Belconnen as Kickstart opens new location

For more than a decade, Kickstart Expresso has been somewhat of a landmark, beckoning coffee lovers from the corner of Newcastle and Barrier streets in Fyshwick.

And now the drive-through coffee shop is expanding, opening another one of its shipping container cafes in Belconnen on Monday.

It's the third location for the Canberra cafe company, having also opened Laneway Espresso in Dickson - with more venues in the works.

"We've been working on the Fyshwick model for a number of years now getting systems in place, with the ultimate goal of expanding," Kickstart Expresso's director Archie Davis said.

Kickstart Expresso has opened a third drive-through coffee shop in Belconnen. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

"Belconnen was, naturally, one of the first suburbs in Canberra we wanted to go to.

"We'd like to be known as the best drive-through operation in Canberra. Convenience is a big factor for us and people that are time-poor or wanting quality coffee and food in a drive-through environment are hard to find.

"So we hope that just the local community has the same satisfaction for the product in Fyshwick."

Kickstart first opened in 2014, after Archie Davis' mum, Liat Davis filled her own need for coffee.

Kickstart Expresso has opened a third drive-through coffee shop in Belconnen with director, Archie Davis. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

As a mum of four boys, it was near impossible for her to easily access good coffee, without having to get her kids in and out of the car.

"Mum always struggled to find a coffee with four young boys running around and in those days, she always thought a drive-through cafe would be so convenient for mothers," Mr Davis said.

"And then the tradies and office commuters have got onto it as well. So it's a family business and that was the inception."

Archie Davis has taken over the family business and is keen to expand the business.

Kickstart Expresso barista Pam Rai at the new Belconnen drive-through coffee shop that opens on Monday. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

As well as the new Belconnen store - in the Benjamin offices car park off Chan Street - there is a Wagga Wagga location in the works.

"Mum and Dad definitely did start the Kickstart model," Mr Davis said.

"As I've sort of been involved in the business and worked here, I see a future for it and I see that it is scalable.

"So I'm looking forward to going on the journey."

Like the original Fyshwick cafe, Belconnen's Kickstart Expresso serves Toby's Estate coffee, as well as a range of smoothies, homestyle toasties, bacon and egg rolls, freshly-baked muffins, and so much more, all of which can be accessed from the comfort of your car.

Kickstart Expresso has opened a third drive-through coffee shop in Belconnen with Tim Geelan, manager. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

Many Fyshwick customers will be familiar with the toasted sandwiches, the most popular - or the "tradie special" as Mr Davis calls it - the Not So Humble Toastie. With double ham, double cheese, slow-roasted tomatoes, caramelised onions and Kickstart relish on Turkish bread, it's a fan favourite.

There are also window services with some seating for those who need to stretch their legs or are walking from a nearby office building or worksite.

Kickstart Belconnen is at 5 Chan Street, Belconnen. It will be open Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm and Saturday from 7am to 12pm, from August 12.

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