Prominent local businesswoman, Jacqui Banson, has been in business for 30 years.
The owner of popular New Leaf Cafe and Jacqui’s Catering, started her hospitality journey at the age of 20 working at the local Visitor Information Centre where she built a cafe at the back.
“We didn’t have pokies then and the bus would stop at the information centre, people would come in for info and then grab lunch before hopping back on the bus,” Jacqui said.
“This was the halfway stop between Melbourne and Merimbula for travellers.”
The café was called Gateway Café and was also where Jacqui’s Catering began.
She has since gone on to create a thriving business with consistent and regular clientele with supportive staff at her back.
Subway approached Jacqui to take over the building and the sandwich business is still there today.
Mick Mann, of Dahlsens, approached Jacqui to put a café into what was then their building centre.
Jacqui built up the Heritage Café and garden centre over a 13-year period.
“Dahlsens were a great help getting started,” Jacqui said.
Jacqui then made the move from the building centre across the road to the Dahlsens Garden Centre, where New Leaf has grown for more than a decade.
On April 15 this year Dahlsens Garden Centre ceased operation, however New Leaf Cafe has continued to prosper and Jacqui and her team have taken on House of Bloom, the boutique florist located within the premises. This has created more indoor seating for patrons.
The work just never seems to stop for Jacqui, not that she would have it any other way.
“We have catered for many local events such as weddings, birthdays, memorials, Christmas parties and emergency catering, plus our family meals, which we started during COVID and now we can’t keep up,” she said.
“I have had a lot of lovely people work for me over the years, I have loved both teaching them and learning from them.
“During my 30 years I have had two boys, Sam and Harrison, they worked at my café on weekends while at school. They are both grown up now and live in Melbourne.
“I feel very lucky that I love what I do.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, loyal customers and sporting clubs for all their support.”
Jacqui now lives at Ellaswood with her partner Peter, where they love the peace and quiet.
