Sweetly Transformed
Feature in HunterHunter, July 2024
The Central Coast’s long-time favourite gelato brand, Mr Goaty Gelato, has rebranded to Spoon Bay Gelato, marking a significant milestone in the journey of its passionate owners, Julia and Dan Hughes. The rebranding represents a natural evolution for the business that has been a local sensation since its inception in 2015.
Julia, originally from Bondi, and Dan, hailing from Leicestershire in England, connected their diverse backgrounds and mutual love for food and brought it to the Central Coast eight years ago.
“We moved to the Central Coast eight years ago with a toddler and a very new gelato business. Wanting to escape the crazy and cost of Sydney brought us here. The beaches, the relaxed and friendly community, and the incredible enthusiasm and support for our gelato has kept us here,” Julia said.
The catalyst for Mr Goaty Gelato was sparked by a desire for a flexible and family-friendly lifestyle. In 2014, while still living in Bronte Beach, Dan started making gelato with goat’s milk, selling it at Bondi markets.
“Before we knew it, we had a cult following and a business! Things really took off in late 2015 when we started retailing in shops… the product was so unique being Australia’s only goat’s milk gelato. We got great media attention and won gold at the Sydney Fine Food Show in 2018.”
Over the course of their business journey, some may remember the pair’s foray into bricks and mortar when they opened their gelato bar and cafe, Bar Botanica, in the grounds of Distillery Botanica in Erina back in 2019.
Then Covid happened, and in 2022 Julia and Dan sold Bar Botanica and said goodbye to the gelato bar and cafe.
Over the years as their cult-like following grew, the duo started offering their services for events and weddings. Now, almost 10 years down the track they cater for over 150 weddings every year with their gelato bikes, mini cart, and iconic vintage gelato truck, making each event sweeter.
So, why the decision to rebrand?
“We stopped using goat’s milk years ago, so the name became less relevant and a bit confusing for people… it was time for a change, and we wanted a name that reflected who we are and where the business is at now.”
The new name, inspired by their favourite local spot, Spoon Bay, reflects the couple’s connection and love for the Central Coast.
“We’re so proud to be the only locally made and owned gelato and wanted a name that reflects our genuine connection to the Coast”
With the rebrand, so too came the shift of their business model focusing solely on events and pop-ups. Julia and Dan have built a dream gelato kitchen in Lisarow, allowing for greater flexibility and control over their product.
“The essence of the business has always been sourcing the best local ingredients and churning daily. When you have a scoop of Spoon Bay, you know it was churned that morning or the lemons in the sorbet were picked from our garden.”
Community engagement continues to remain a priority for the couple, with regular pop-ups at local markets and an honesty freezer outside their warehouse for convenient access for the true Spoon Bay Gelato connoisseurs. The business has also introduced gelato cakes, available for ordering online.
Looking ahead, Spoon Bay Gelato plans to engage in exciting collaborations with local foodie businesses and continue delighting crowds at events throughout the year.
“We’re proud of what we do, we love our product. It’s a family business. Our kids chop up the fruit, help out at markets, and are such connoisseurs now too, always happy to give honest feedback!”
Spoon Bay Gelato’s rebrand is more than just a name change; it’s a celebration of their roots, community, and the delectable journey ahead for this local family business.
Written by Alicia Poole
22 Jul 2024