After waiting 10 years for the perfect location, Richard and Katrina Gall have opened a cafe in Mount Isa with a unique style.
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Having opened on Monday, The Xtra Mile entered the hospitality industry with a modern yet funky vibe, with customers describing it as a Melbourne setting in the outback.
Owner Ms Gall, said they wanted to bring Mount Isa something a little bit unique.
“Originally we were looking at opening a wine bar but then I started studying hospitality and that led me to this business,” she said.
“We wanted to have an equal balance of healthy or not. There are healthy options including shakes and salads but also bacon, chocolate and coffee.
“I also wanted to cater for people with food allergies as I understand how difficult it can be to dine out with food restrictions including gluten and sugar free options.”
Located at 71 Camooweal Street in the Mount Isa CBD, the fresh, new, central business is grasping locals eye with its attention to detail.
“I am a chef by trade and Richard and I have both been brought up in a hospitality industry that was very much attention to detail and focused on looking after people,” she said.
“So I though it would be nice for me to provide that service to the community because they have looked after us for so long.”
Starting her apprenticeship at the age of 16, finishing at 19 and travelling the world cooking Ms Gall has experienced different types of hospitality.
“I worked for a European tour company and also travelled to Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Brisbane and Alice Springs. After travelling I returned to Australia where I met my husband and managed the Cloncurry Gidgee Inn for two years which brought us to the North West,” she said.
“We then moved to Mount Isa and had been looking for a place to open our own business during that period.”
Ms Gall also hopes to use the business space to host cooking classes in the near future.
“Our mission is to go that extra mile and give them that little bit more in every way. Providing good, fresh food in a happy environment.”
The Xtra Mile is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday.