By Jacqui Bialocki
For owners Ben Rosenberg and Melisa Alizzi-Rosenberg, opening a second Dreamer Coffee & Food cafe wasn’t about finding another location. It was about finding another community they wanted to belong to.
After creating a loyal following in Mornington, the couple have brought Dreamer to the heart of Balnarring, a village they believe perfectly reflects their own values of connection, warmth and quality.
“It seemed natural to us after building a strong, community-loved cafe in Mornington to come to Balnarring,” Ben said. “It has such a strong village vibe, it’s growing with young families, and we see ourselves in that environment. We understand what people like because they’re just like us.”
That sense of belonging sits at the heart of every decision, from the thoughtfully designed interiors inspired by Barcelona, Byron Bay and Los Angeles to the menu built around fresh, flavour-driven dishes and exceptional specialty coffee.
But Ben believes great food and coffee are only part of the recipe. “We created a place we would want to go to, not only with an offering of great food and coffee, but somewhere welcoming, friendly and somewhere we want to go back to. The customer relationship goes way beyond remembering their name and order, although that’s a great start. We’re about building a community of dreams.”
That philosophy has already proved successful in Mornington, where regular customers have become friends and strangers have struck up conversations over coffee. It’s exactly the atmosphere Ben and Mel hope to recreate in Balnarring.
Drawing on more than 20 years in hospitality, including four years helping launch cafes across New York City with Bluestone Lane, Ben has crafted a menu where flavour always comes first. Signature dishes including Turkish eggs, avocado tartine and Dreamer’s famous toasties have made the move from Mornington, joined by new additions such as the Balnarring Plate. Seasonal specials will continue to showcase local produce, while an inclusive menu offers plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Alongside specialty coffee from local roaster Commonfolk Coffee, every element has been carefully considered to encourage guests to slow down, stay awhile and return.
In an age where cafes often come and go, Dreamer is proving that lasting success isn’t simply built on great coffee or beautifully plated food. It’s created through genuine hospitality, meaningful connections and giving people somewhere they truly feel they belong.
In Balnarring, Ben and Mel aren’t simply opening another cafe; they’re building another community, one cup at a time. Join the community at www.dreamercoffeeandfood.com.au
