WHEN the opportunity arose to own a cafe in the heart of the central business district, Daniella Queenan knew she had to take it.
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Ms Queenan is the new owner of the Mad Season Cafe, which officially reopened in Bathurst recently.
It was her father who noticed the cafe was up for sale and encouraged her to buy the business.
"It's always been my dream to have a cafe of my own and I've been feeling really inspired by all the women business owners that I know of, so I decided to give it a red hot go," she said.
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While Ms Queenan is the owner, her father is using his knowledge of Bathurst and business experience to act as an adviser for her.
Ms Queenan plans to put her own twist on the cafe, but said she will retain much of the concept she loved about the original business, including the live music, wholefood menu and community connection.
"I really want it to be grounded in community spirit, community groups and be a place of refuge, I think; that's my main goal," she said.
"But I also want it to be about the food. I want it to be fresh and wholefood and to be able to cater to vegans, vegetarians and also have [the food] come locally."
The food fits with the cafe's mission statement of "Wholefood wholeheartedly", and Ms Queenan said she plans to feature some family recipes that celebrate her Chilean heritage.
Mad Season has a small team of staff, some of whom used to work at the Wholefood Kitchen that once operated out of the same location.
"I've got a few local hospitality legends and baristas," Ms Queenan said.
Regarding live music, it appears the Mad Season busking program will continue.
The program was introduced by the previous owners as a platform for local artists to get their music heard.
"I really want to continue the busking program. That is my main passion - to encourage young and emerging artists," Ms Queenan said.
"They will definitely have a space to get an amp, set up and play their music."
Anyone who would like to be involved is encouraged to get in touch with the cafe.
The cafe is in Macquarie Plaza and is open 7am-3pm Monday to Friday, and 7.30am-3.30pm on Saturday.
