By Meagan Kearney
Welcome news, especially for westsiders on the south side pocket of Sunshine Road. Amongst the eclectic shops across the road from Tottenham Station, mother and son team Lee Cole-Hayhow and Rhonda Hayhow have done what many only talk about and launched their own cafe, Dodo’s Delights.
Formerly a barbers shop, the Dodo’s team have been hard at work transforming the space into a down to earth, welcoming space where locals can come and have a friendly chat or pick up a coffee on the way to the train station across the road. “I’ve lived in the west all of my life,” says Lee. “Our aim is not only to be a local business, but really be part of the community and know people who come in by name.”
Running Dodo’s Dining Room at the Mona Castle Hotel until it closed its doors during the lockdown and also trying their hand at running a food truck amongst other things, this is Rhonda and Lee’s first cafe. “Lee is an excellent barista and I love to cook and bake, we are going for a home-made feel,” explains Rhonda.
The display case is filled with Rhonda’s traditional slices, chocolate crackles, honey joys, rolls including ham and corn relish, roast beef and beetroot relish and grilled veggies with caramelised onions.
Dodo’s Delights partners with the award winning Bonacci Coffee from coffee roasters based in Tullamarine. “Bonacci Coffee is a husband and wife team based in Tullamarine. We are keen to support other local businesses, plus their coffee is excellent,” says Lee.
“It’s a big jump starting our own café especially after lockdown, I’m nervous and excited. Over the last few weeks South-Wefo locals have been putting their head in the door to say how pleased they are to have a cafe opening near them, so that has meant a lot,” says Rhonda.
Rhonda and Lee are keen to make a start filling the gap in their little pocket of West Footscray with top level coffee and fresh, homemade rolls, wraps and sweets to make you feel at home.
Dodo’s Delights Café is at 169 Sunshine West Footscray (across from Tottenham Station) Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm Sat 8am-3pm Sun 9am-3pm.
Photo: Geoff Hayhow Photography
