THE owners of Grafton St's Paleo Cafe are taking their business model national, with plans to have at least 10 Paleo Cafe franchises operating by the end of the year.

Marlies and Jai Hobbs opened the cafe last October, in response to the growing popularity of the "Paleo Diet", which is based on ancestral, pre-agricultural foods. The couple are currently drafting a franchise agreement and operations manual, to be completed by May this year.

"It's a fairly simplistic business to set up," Mrs Hobbs said. "We've done it fairly low maintenance and low cost. It's all about the food and the lifestyle. Once someone signs up, they could have a Paleo Cafe open within a matter of four-eight weeks."

Mrs Hobbs said the sustainability of the paleo lifestyle would be key to the success of the franchises.

"There has always been that question put to us, 'Do you think it's just a fad  how long do you think it will last?'"

"But this is unlike any other eating lifestyle or diet. People are starting to appreciate that all the medical and obesity issues we're experiencing are attributed to food. I can't imagine that will turn around."

Paleo Cafe is also hosting cooking classes. Tickets are $65 including a two-course meal and beverage. Emailmarlies@paleo-cafe.com.au.

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article