A Manly cafe owner has defended the price of their Big Breakfast after a diner expressed shock online.
The customer took to Reddit to share a photo of The Roast Office’s menu, a hidden gem in the backstreets of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where the median house price sits at $4.5 million.
Housed in a converted Australia Post office offering a cosy, boho charm, the cafe’s Big Breakfast costs a whopping $35 and includes two eggs, two hash browns, bacon, sausage, avocado, grilled tomato, mushrooms, and toast.
“At a pretty low-key cafe in Manly, nothing fancy at all … $35 for a big brekky??” the Reddit post said.
Big Breakfasts are a cafe staple, typically costing $25–$30, so the higher price drew plenty of online debate amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The cafe’s owner, Vince Mollica, defended the price, citing rising operational costs.
“Food costs have increased, for example, the free-range eggs we use have risen some $30 per carton and bacon has increased $20 per carton, just to name a few,” he told news.com.au.
“Rent is constantly increasing, as are wages. So, for $35 for a big breakfast, we consider this good value for the consumer.”
The hospitality sector is under immense pressure, with nearly one in ten food service businesses closing last year due to rent hikes, labour shortages, and economic strain, according to CreditorWatch.
Mollica says the Big Breakfast remains a favourite, with many customers ordering it to share.
“For a freshly cooked breakfast at $17.50 per person, it’s still cheaper and healthier than a fast food breakfast,” he said.
“I’ve been running my cafe for almost seven years, and 90 per cent of my customers are regulars. We are one of the highest-rated cafes in Manly and offer value for money. We are a family-friendly, community cafe with a huge, loyal following.”
He also pointed out that there are no Sunday surcharges.
“We absorb the fees as we like to look after our customer base,” he said.
Reddit users sympathised with the cafe, with one commenting, “Most of what you paid goes to rent and labour. Actual food is probably the least of the cost.”
“This is why spiralling rent is such a bad problem. Little luxuries end up being so expensive because the shop has to pay the same messed-up rent prices we do,” another commented.
Others suggested the poster was “whinging” and noted that many cafes “do not have high profit margins.”
“You’ve chosen to go out for breakfast. What did you expect to pay, $30? Is the extra five bucks going to kill you? I rarely eat out, but if I do, I don’t need to penny-pinch. If you want to save money, eat at home,” one person wrote.
Some highlighted the suburb’s upmarket nature.
“Cafe in Manly, there’s your first mistake,” quipped one, while another called it the “Manly tax.”
Still, some readers agreed with the diner’s surprise.
“That’s insane,” wrote one, while another called it “absurd” and a third “ridiculous.”
“We’re in hell,” one added.
“$35 for Big Breakfast? F**K THAT!” wrote another.
“No coffee with that either, what a racket,” added one. “So that makes it $40 or more.”
“You could make that at home for $5,” said another. “Tell them they’re dreaming.”
Many concluded they wouldn’t pay more than $30 for a Big Breakfast at a cafe.
Images: Instagram/Reddit
