Kade King has long been a legend in the hospo scene and after enjoying the scenes Melbourne had to offer, he knew it was time to head back to Traralgon—the heart of the La Trobe Valley and make his own mark. He wanted to bring the best of the city's coffee culture back to Gippsland. In 2011, at 26 years old, he did exactly that. Since then, between ownership of Three Little Birds and Bodhi Specialty Coffee, he's been deeply connected to community and 2025 is seeing him take his next big step—Finally Mine.
The venue is light, airy and perfectly positioned on a corner, where open bi-fold windows invite the summer breeze inside and with the interwoven vines of the pothos that decorate the ceiling, you can enjoy indoor-outdoor dining. Mottled green tiles, light wood ceiling batons and a custom Sage Green Synesso MVP Hydra make the space visually inviting. It's pleasant on the senses (all Five in fact!)
Crompton Road is the go-to house blend, using a Mahlkonig E80 and a Puqpress set into a recess, allowing seamless interaction with customers. Ever the hospitable human, Kade designed the bar with connection in mind—so that while he's pouring out the perfect swan, he doesn't lose the opportunity to connect. His goal has always been to create spaces that feel easygoing, and it shows. Even during equipment installation, with the space still under ocnstruction, locals dropped by in a steady stream—eager to check in and count the days until they could celebrate its opening.
Alongside Crompton Road, there is a myriad of offers – a Yin + Yang serves you up with an espresso and a milky ... or a Fire + Ice to experience the difference between a cold brew and a batch brew using the same coffee! Or why not go all out - a Flight will serve you an espresso, milky and a batch brew. A Mazzer Kold S and a Mahlkonig EK43 round out the brew bar. There are some tasty toasties and cabinet treats available, with more to come as the space finds its stride. For those who like to brew at home, the retail shelf is stacked with Crompton Road, rotating single origins and limited release coffees. Not only is this the place to be bright and early, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, they have a liquor license for a late afternoon tipple. Enjoy perching out front with a bottle of local wine on cleverly repurposed wine barrel-turned-bar table. Aperitivo Hour has never been so tempting!
The energy is electric thanks to the welcoming team. Kade glows as he chats with regulars, pointing out the custom logo on the Synesso, flowers on the table (courtesy of Jenny) and all the small details that he has been able to bring to life. That's the kicker—he's built the space from walls and a concrete slab upwards, with all the things he has ever hoped for. The joke rolls off the tongue, "It's finally here... and it's Finally Mine!"
