You won’t find a menu that spans across several pages at Golden Times, nor will you find overly elaborate dishes dressed with foams and swathes of sauce. What you will find, however, is the kind of place they know you by name and coffee order. Despite only being open for a week, Golden Times has been warmly received by locals with a scattering of regulars already starting to emerge. Hidden along Golden Four Drive, towards the airport end rather than the Tugun end, the venue’s new owners Jaye and Jono, alongside their good pal Luke, have actually been on deck for about a month getting a feel for things before they made their mark. Just this week, the talented trio debuted a new name alongside a fresh lick of paint for the interior and a general spruce. Despite being their first foray into owning a cafe, Golden Times represents a union of talents, with Luke coming from a tourism background, taking the lead on the business side of things, while Jono works his magic behind-the-scenes to keep things humming along. Jaye, who has worked at various hospitality venues around the Gold Coast, helms the coffee machine, which pumps out Ground Control coffee on a never-ending loop. The Tweed Heads-based bean roasters share the trio’s ethos of simplicity and apparent appreciation for David Bowie, with its Major Tom blend on pour.

Jaye and Jono first spotted the site about 18 months ago and toyed with the idea, but alas, the timing was not right as they had an eight-month-old son at the time. When the site popped up again a short time later, they couldn’t resist. “We love the character of the building,” Jaye says. “It’s so perfect, but it wasn’t meant to be the first time. 18 months later it came back up so we jumped at it. Luke had just come back from the desert and was looking for his next adventure so the timing was right all round.” In terms of the menu, it’s a continuation of their ethos of simplicity done well. The concise double pager features a selection of classics such as eggs your way on Burleigh Baker sourdough alongside the popular eggs-Benny bagel. Those looking for a dose of nostalgia can dive back into their childhood with Weet-Bix topped with tinned peaches and a dollop of cream and for those looking for something a little different can wrap their mitts around a long roll loaded with fried egg, cucumber, coriander, crispy fried onions and a drizzle of mayo (hot tip, add the marinated eggplant to take it seriously next level). There’s also an autumn-inspired nourish bowl loaded with spiced pumpkin, braised chickpeas, house-made cashew cheese, spinach, quinoa, avocado, sauerkraut and toasted pepitas for those in need of a little health. Although underpinned by simplicity, the dishes are elevated using house-made ferments and pickles, a homage to yesteryear when people would preserve what’s in their fridge rather than throw it out. The trio also has plans to introduce a rotating selection of specials including loaded toasties, so you’ll always have an excellent reason to detour via Golden Times cafe.

Golden Times is now open! Hit the Stumble Guide for opening times.