On a Tuesday we go for coffee (and some yummy home cooked food) at one of our favourite cafes in the Hinchinbrook Shire – JK’s Deli located next door to the Westpac Bank in Lannercost Street, Ingham’s main street. By the looks of it Karen runs a pretty tight ship because the shop is always immaculate! The food that is in the display fridges looks like the entire town should bust their asses at gym (to burn off all the calories) because all the food looks ah-mazing!
JK’S Deli is located at 78 Lannercost Street, Ingham and is opened 7.30am – 5.00pm Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings, but like other businesses in the Shire when things are quiet, they will close early – save on power costs, wages etc. The smart way of doing business – which some people just don’t get…
I find it extremely hard to pick something to munch on so I usually tell one of the girls to surprise me, and I haven’t been let down once yet! For those addicted to coffee (I mean mother’s such as myself) they create some pretty awesome blends with Vittora coffee… THEY ONLY USE THE BEST!
Every Tuesday, my two and a half year old goes to playgroup at Lourdes then makes sure he is taken to JK’s for his ‘coffee.’ Each week I ask him – “So who’s your girlfriend this week?” I get the “Ummm,” Sometimes it’s Kaitlin, sometimes it’s Aimee, sometimes it’s Karen… But sorry guys, most of the time it’s Lauren or, Wawwen as Jack puts it.
Kaitlin, Aimee and Lauren are Karen’s three absolutely beautiful daughters who all work at the Deli. There isn’t much in the Hinchinbrook in the way of jobs for school leavers so essentially that is what inspired Karen to put her idea into motion, to secure jobs for her daughters and others throughout our community.
All Karen’s staff are absolutely lovely, you walk in the shop and I promise you you will never leave depressed!
I recently saw on Facebook other business people winging because they went past and they were closed – Well sorry we didn’t stay opened for your highness. That was coming from me… We shouldn’t be here shredding each other… WE SHOULD BE SUPPORTING EACH OTHER!
Jack is in charge of the ‘quality control’ of the marshmallows behind the counter… Kaitlin tells Jack “don’t tell mum” and as soon as he comes out from behind the counter I get this “Hey mum, look!” It’s hilarious!
I think Karen has done an amazing job with the expansion of the shop and there is such a laid back feel to the place it kind of makes you want to curl up on the couch in a ball and go nunies (sleep).
It’s not just the locals who are crazy about JK’s – read the following Reviews from passers by:-
Zil Silvester… incredible selection of international cheese I just wish I could take them all home! Rita was so friendly and helpful. This sensational cafe and delicatessen is a highlight of the town and is the place to eat when in Ingham.
Peter Maggiora… Our lunch was delicious and well priced. Coffee was great and well made. It’s a merge between an Italian deli and Cafe which works very well. One side of the Cafe has great mosaics of the local history.
Rob Boot… WC which, l think, is always a good indication of what the kitchen must look like. Anyone who has complaints about this cafe must be a malcontented whinger. We’ll definitely stop by this cafe on our return journey.
Bruce Smallbon… A beautiful coffee shop and good food.
Daniel Peacock… some meats for a platter. The team were so helpful they offered to build it all for us and it looked amazing. They were nice enough to build it while we sat and had a lovely lunch. Highly recommend both the deli section and the cafe.
Lesleigh White… Lovely and trendy!
Beautiful coffee shop.
Love how they sell little packets of goodies.
Very friendly staff.
We’ll definitely return when driving through Ingham again.
Linda Venn… Good coffee. Excellent home made slices to go with it.
Kate Suthers… from Mission Beach to Townsville and I’m so glad we did. Not only is there a cracking deli but the cafe serves really delicious food, generous portions made fresh and with lovely service. Would definitely plan future routes.
Michael Nash… Yep, good variety of food and great ice coffee.
I’m excited to see what other exciting things Karen has in store for our community. There are business owners who run their business and no more – Karen bleeds Hinchinbrook and I believe that is why her business thrives like it does!
Aquo Xx