Out & About – Global Fine Food, Ashgrove

August 4, 2024

News

Global Fine Food

Stewart Rd, Ashgrove

Locals love the family-owned and operated deli and café located in Stewart Road, Ashgrove, where everyone knows each other’s name.

The deli recently changed hands, with Shanon and Kerrie Watkins purchasing the business on 1 May from Trent Stark, whose father Col Stark founded the business in 1979.

Clearly in his element, Shanon said, “I bought the business because I love ham and coffee – that’s me!”. The local ham from Samford is the deli’s most popular item – free range, wood smoked, and hand carved off-the-bone ham. The specially cured flavour was designed by the previous owner Trent, who still comes in to help from time-to-time.

This is Shanon’s first own business, having previously been a professional musician for many years, and before that in construction, and driving dump trucks, amongst other jobs. It’s a big change, luckily for him he says, “Kerrie is an accountant by profession and does all the behind-the-scenes business management and accounts – I’m just here for the looks”.

“Our customers are awesome, everyone knows everyone, and that’s a real part of the charm of the business. Many locals pop in each day. And as long as we have ham and coffee available, we’re right.”

Along with the ham and Merlo coffee, the deli also serves fresh sandwiches, olives, slices, smoothies, and stocks other local and Australian-made deli items, including local honey, and Beerenberg jams.

I have been visiting the deli myself since 2004, when I discovered the divine Lick ice cream in their fridge.

The deli was one of the first stockists of Lick, and it continues to be a big seller for them today. According to Shanon, classic Vanilla Bean is the biggest seller (voted in the ‘Top 5 brands of the best Vanilla Ice Cream in Australia’ by Australian Gourmet Traveller!).