Will Cooke, Owner, Vapiano
People who are passionate about what they do regardless of what that is ...
From an after-school job flipping burgers at his local McDonald’s to working his way up the ladder to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at McDonald’s Sweden, Will Cooke has tried his hand at every aspect of the hospitality industry. It was while working in Europe that he discovered the Vapiano model. A new dining concept, where each visitor is given a chip card to charge their meals to, Vapiano crafts classic Italian recipes from fresh local Australian produce. Going on three years in Brisbane, Vapiano continues to draw crowds with its quick lunchtime turnaround and late-night dining. With a second restaurant at the Gold Coast, a Melbourne location set to open early next year, and plans taking shape in Sydney, Will took five from growing the Vapiano experience to chat weekend essentials with The Weekend Edition.
How do you like to start your weekend?
A walk with my wife and our two dogs through the streets and hills of Paddington, and buying The Weekend Australian.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Breakfast on the back deck with our three girls followed by coffee at Urban Grind.
How do you like to unwind?
I love to read, firstly the newspaper from back to front and then any books I can get my hands on.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Relaxing with the family across the days and then dinner/drinks with friends on Saturday night.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Spend more time down at the beach at Burleigh Heads where my parents live and I grew up.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Sunday evening is always Mexican night with the family at home. Once the kids are in bed I always prepare for the working week ahead. I like to be organised and plan out my week so I can get things done.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
We have just moved into our new house, so we are finishing off some final touches by adding some colourful external artwork on some large white walls.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss – I don’t think it is really possible, but if I can pick up a few things that help me achieve more with less time then I will be happy.
What inspires you?
People who are passionate about what they do regardless of what that is.
What was your childhood dream?
To become an AFL footballer for Collingwood.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Professionally, it has been teaching people, watching them develop, grow and learn. Personally, it has been having three wonderful girls and watching them grow into little ladies with beautiful independent personalities of their own.
What is success to you?
Leaving a positive imprint on people so that people feel better for having known you.
What are your words of wisdom?
Achieve balance in your life by ensuring you are fit and healthy in mind and body, spend quality time with your friends and family, and work with something you are passionate about.
Only a local would know that … The only place for Edwin jeans in Brisbane is Apartment in Brisbane City.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Urban Grind, Paddington
Relax … Burleigh Heads beach and the Borough Barista
Dine … The Survey Co. in Burnett Lane
Indulge … Escape to Sydney or Melbourne and go to Toko in Surry Hills or Chin Chin in Flinders Lane
Shop … James St Market, Fortitude Valley
Catch-up … Peasant at The Barracks
Be inspired … GOMA