Columbus Coffee

Columbus Coffee Queenstown: A Story of Resilience and Creativity

"Running a café in Queenstown wasn’t exactly part of the grand plan for Alex McMillan & John Oaten, but life has a way of offering unexpected opportunities. Three years later, they’ve won the Columbus Coffee 2024 Franchisee of the Year and Operational Excellence awards. Following a full refurbishment, the addition of a dog-friendly area, and a commitment to creating a welcoming environment, the café has become a thriving spot for locals, tourists, and even their furry friends."

A Café and a Car: A Marketing Coup

If you’ve been in the Queenstown area, you might have noticed a quirky little vehicle sitting outside Columbus Coffee. Wrapped in bright, eye-catching yellow, this 1956 BMW ISETTA isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a marketing gem.

“The car was sitting unused, so we gave it a new life,” Alex explains. With the help of a vintage car specialist and Print Central, they restored it to something truly special.

The result was more than Alex expected. “Print Central loved the project so much that they didn’t just wrap it. They redid the hinges, the mirrors, the hubcaps - gave the wheels a fresh black coat. Honestly, it was above and beyond.”

The car has become a magnet for attention. “A tour bus once stopped, and 30 tourists spent half an hour taking photos,” Alex recalls with a laugh. “They all came in for breakfast after.”

Encouraging Customers: Coffee and Community

The car is more than marketing - it's part of the experience. “Our repeat business shows people love what we offer,” says Alex. The menu features local favourites like cheese rolls, non-gluten recipe items, and coffee that Alex proudly calls “some of the best you’ll find.”

With a dedicated team, including two chefs making everything from scratch, Columbus Coffee thrives on passion and hard work.

Looking Forward

When it comes to the future, Alex says, “We’re not looking to expand—being an owner-operator is where we excel. We’ll continue improving what we have and making Columbus Coffee Queenstown a destination café.”

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the warm atmosphere, great food, and the iconic car outside make Columbus Coffee a must-visit.

As Alex puts it, “We live on coffee here - come join us for a cup.”

You can find Columbus Coffee inside Mitre 10 Mega at 46 Brookes Road, Frankton, Queenstown, Open 7 days a week early until 3:30pm.