The Happy Frog: A Vibrant Community Hub in Coffs Harbour, Australia

Coffs Harbour, Australia is home to a business that resonates with me on so many levels – community involvement, sustainable efforts, and clean, healthy food. This business is The Happy Frog, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with its owner, Kim Towner, to discuss how this unique concept has transformed into a special community hub.

A Vision Amidst a Crisis

Kim’s journey to starting The Happy Frog began at an unlikely time: during the global financial crisis. She recalls, "It was really crazy because it was right at the beginning of the global financial crisis. I already had a little tiny cafe, a kiosk, and I had started a community market. I kept thinking the world is changing. People are going to eat more vegetarian food, but they don't know how to do it. We need to be more local, and I wanted to make that happen."

Her vision was to combine all the things she was passionate about – community, sustainability, and healthy eating – in one place. And thus, The Happy Frog was born. Kim explains the inspiration behind the name: "Frogs are a measure of environmental health. If the frogs are happy, the environment is happy. So, the feeling of coming in, I would hope, is a bit like coming home. Being in your lounge room."

Walking into The Happy Frog, I immediately felt that welcoming vibe. It’s clear that Kim’s intention was to create a space where people can connect with food and community, without barriers or stigma.

A Diverse Team Serving Up "Global Confusion"

One of the things that sets The Happy Frog apart is the people behind it. “When you have lines out the door for your food that is prepared by wonderful people, it shows that it’s a community effort,” I noted during our conversation. There’s no head chef; instead, it’s a diverse and collaborative team.

Kim shared more about the staff: “Coffs Harbour has taken in a lot of refugees. Around 5,000 have settled here, and over the years, we've had different people work with us. Right now, we have an Eritrean lady and an Ethiopian lady, along with two young fellows with special needs. They’re delightful and keep us all happy every day. We have this eclectic, interesting mix of cultures that really colors the food.”

I couldn’t help but marvel at the array of dishes inspired by so many cultures. Kim affectionately calls it "global confusion," a playful nod to the rich blend of flavors brought together by different backgrounds. And she’s right – the diverse mix of experiences and influences has resulted in a truly unique culinary offering.

Tasty Plates and Buddha Bowls

For those who might be overwhelmed by all the options, Kim and her team have crafted a Tasty Plate – a sample of some of the best offerings on the menu. “We make it a bit different every time,” Kim says, “but it’s a little taste of lots of things.” One of her favorite dishes? The Buddha’s Bowl, a colorful and nourishing salad that includes chickpeas, a staple ingredient at The Happy Frog.

Kim’s food philosophy is simple: "Try not to mess with the package that it comes in." She believes food grows naturally perfect and should be left as it is – whole and unprocessed. “These things haven't really been messed with at all,” she explains, referring to the fresh ingredients.

The Power of a Plant-Based Diet

Our conversation naturally turned to why The Happy Frog serves vegetarian food. Kim’s approach is rooted in both health and environmental consciousness. “The protein you get from plant-based food has around 40 times fewer emissions than animal-based protein. If we offer this and make it easy for people to eat more vegetarian food, then that little bit helps. The more you eat good food, the more you want to eat good food. When we’ve been eating all the brown and white food, we crave more of it because our bodies are starving for nutrients. But the more color we put into our diet, the more micronutrients we get, and we won’t crave the other stuff.”

Everyday Choices and Happiness

The mantra that floats around The Happy Frog is that “happiness starts with every day choices.” I asked Kim what this meant to her, and she shared, "It means that how you choose to live, how you spend your money, and what you choose to buy – all those little tiny choices can make a big difference in your life and everyone else’s life."

Kim’s outlook on life and community is truly inspiring. The Happy Frog is more than just a cafe; it’s a place that celebrates diversity, promotes sustainability, and fosters a genuine sense of community. In a world that often feels disconnected, it’s a reminder that happiness is often found in the everyday choices we make – even frogs know that.

For more information about The Happy Frog, visit: https://thehappyfrog.com.au/