Jak and Mo Café bringing feel-good city vibe to Gatton
Gatton café owner Angela Jackwitz had a dream to make a difference in Gatton after moving into the area 20 years ago from the Sunshine Coast. She’s got her café, but that’s only the start.
Gatton café owner Angela Jackwitz had a dream to make a difference in Gatton after moving into the area 20 years ago from the Sunshine Coast.
In January 2016, Angela’s dream finally sprung to life with the opening of Jak and Mo Café in the heart of town.
“We have been embraced by Gatton,” Angela beams.
“Coffee is life – whether you drink it or not, it has a feel-good vibe around the idea of it – Gatton enjoys that.”
Inland Rail has an office in Gatton, with five local staff and project team members driving in from Brisbane for short trips every week.
Angela says Inland Rail staff know where to find a good coffee, and they are hard to miss when they’re in town.
“The ones that wear logos, yes we know, and they are always lovely.”
Jak and Mo’s business hit new heights recently when they catered for Inland Rail’s ‘Meet the Proponents’ networking event at Gatton’s Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre. With representatives from over 200 businesses, the event was a fantastic platform for Jak and Mo to showcase their wares.
Inland Rail’s Director – Planning, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Rebecca Pickering said the project brings endless opportunities for local businesses like Jak and Mo.
“Pretty much every business you talk to in town in Gatton, they can see how they can be part of the project,” Mrs Pickering said.
“From the really small retailers through to the hoteliers and mechanics, everyone can see them being part of the big jigsaw that we are putting together.”
Jak and Mo’s Angela Jackwitz is quietly planning in anticipation for when construction on Inland Rail starts in the Lockyer Valley.
“I understand it will bring workers which we will feed and fuel.
“How it looks as a whole for Gatton long term, we will find out once the rail line is built.”
For now, she’s focussed on helping make Gatton a regional tourist destination.
“I want to create a street scape for Gatton that’ll bring in the ‘day-trippers’ from Brisbane for a visit or a weekend away. A spot on the map of places to see and things to do.”
