In the hustle and bustle of the Market, there’s a familiar voice that has echoed through the sheds for the past two decades. That voice belongs to Quentin from Jindebah Coffee, one of the original stallholders who has been with us since our inaugural market on 13 March 2004.

As we recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, it was a lovely occasion to present Jindebah Coffee with their well-deserved milestone certificate. It provided us with a golden opportunity to sit down with Quentin and take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing the early days and witnessing remarkable growth over the years.

“We started at Capital Region Farmers Market right from the very first Market in 2004. It all began with conversations between my father’s old golfing buddies who were part of Rotary. They envisioned a farmers’ market, and of course, coffee was an essential component! It was a serendipitous match, considering my father was also a farmer at the time,” Quentin fondly recalls.

The initial Market was a modest affair, housed in a small shed that was only half-filled with original stallholders. Quentin reminisces, “It was just me and Lou with a single group coffee machine, not just selling coffees and beans, but more importantly, engaging in heartfelt chats and laughter with fellow stallholders and curious new customers.”

Fast forward to today, and the scene at Jindebah Coffee’s stall has transformed dramatically. “Today, the chatter and laughter haven’t changed, but the pace certainly has! From 6.30am till close, we’re buzzing with a constant stream of customers, supported by a dedicated team and two impressive 5-group coffee machines. The friendly vibe remains intact, albeit amidst a much larger crowd,” Quentin shares.

What keeps Jindebah Coffee rooted at the Market after all these years? Quentin attributes it to their loyal customers. “Many of them come specifically to connect with the makers and growers. The Market has been a constant for us over the years, supporting us through financial challenges and the pandemic.”

Reflecting on the Market’s evolution, Quentin observes, “The most striking change, apart from the extra people since 2004, is the incredible diversity of goods on offer. What started as a handful of fruit and veg stalls has blossomed into a marketplace showcasing everything from meat, cakes, and salami to Gyoza and chocolate.”

For Quentin, the Market has become more than just a place of business. It’s a constant connection to customers, friends, a source of steady income, and a treasure trove of new food discoveries.

As we wrap up our conversation, we extend our thanks to Quentin for being a valued part of our Market community. Saturdays wouldn’t be the same without the familiar call of “Number 74” resonating through the sheds!