From humble beginnings in retail, the Barrett family have built an empire to be proud of with Mo Group. After a career in fashion, owners Neil and Sue really needed a change. A discussion started and in mulling over their options, the question was "What will people get out of bed for, time and time again?" The answer? Coffee! Without knowing it, the Barrett family had built a war chest full of skills that would have them ready to succeed. They weren't just interested in cafes for themselves though. For Mo Group, it was about their children—Carly, Terri and Zac. They also weren't interested in a one-hit wonder. They knew before they begun that their venues would have their own personalities, their own followings, each with the same goal—to provide an opportunity for their customers to 'share great experiences with friends.'
Carly was already an acclaimed architect and would design the spaces to be both gorgeous and functional. Terri would handle the finances and keep them honest while getting behind the machine whenever she could, and holds the title of running the 'world's longest pop-up' at Balance Espresso in the lobby at 140 William (7 years!) Zac would grow to be the CEO for many years before recently stretching his wings into another industry.
To the Barretts, 3 things were not negotiable.
- It had to be the best beans.
- It had to be the best machine.
- Neil had to study and learn everything about the art of coffee and equipment.
They then decided that the collection of venues would not be a Franchise, but venues with personalities and the most critical element? The coffee! To have customers coming back consistently when there is competition on every corner, you can't disappoint. The House Blend was the most important decision for the Barrett's as 70% of the business is white coffees.
Mo Trinity
In 2013, the doors at Mo Trinity opened their doors and success was immediate. Inspire by the Old World charm of the Trinity arcade in Perth CBD, a shrine was built to some of the most famous moustaches to ever exist, including Freddie Mercury, Magnum PI and Albert Einstein. It wasn't long before the group realised they had found something great. Mo Trinity is no longer with us, but the stepping stone was laid on solid ground.
Max and Sons
A tribute to Max, Neil's dad, who served in the South Australian Police Force back in the day, where the '857 Blend' was born—a reference to his badge number. Opening in 2015, Carly leaned into a Scandinavian design—clean, white, open and highly functional with a structural pillar featuring caricature portraits of Max, Neil and Zac.
Mo Allendale
In 2017, Mo Allendale came to be. Located underground, the lack of natural light made for an opportunity for specialised lighting, textures and sets the mood of a hidden New York underground bar.
Arlo by Mo
In 2019, Arlo by Mo opened. Their first site with an expansive kitchen and seating for 30+. A nod to Arlo Guthrie, where just a small piece of the 70's is captured using vinyl and simple wooden textures. The heritage listed site faces St Georges Terrace, and the natural light through the large window frontage warms the space and encourages customers to order yet another coffee.
Hemingway
In 2020, their most ambitious and prestigious venue yet would set a new standard for what it means to be a specialty coffee venue in Perth. Hemingway—dubbed 'well and truly Zac'. Author Ernest Hemingway was a topic of bonding for Zac and wife Charlotte early on in their relationship. A high-volume venue with the Mod Bar by La Marzocco allowing patrons full access to watch some of the best baristas in Perth work. A Poursteady makes fresh single cup pourovers all day. Designed by Woods and Bagot, the cafe space is open, luxurious and vibrant, with meeting rooms and expansive seating arrangements, fitting up to 200 people!
Double R
The latest venue is located on the engineering side of UWA campus. A nod to pop-culture monolith, Twin Peaks (Double R was the name of the diner!) Mo utilised this name to encourage a menu that features one of the best Bacon and Egg muffins in the game.
Decisions at Mo Group are made in a deliberate and considered nature. While a Bacon and Egg muffin will wow the crowds at UWA, it's the spicy crab sliders at Hemingway that best express that venue's personality. The toasted Rubin at Max & Son's is a Friday treat, while the smoked salmon, cream cheese, rocket, pickled lemon, pickled onion bagel at Arlo has you set up for the week on a Monday.
It doesn't stop at the food though; the same deliberate choices have been made when it comes to their choice of equipment or coffee supplier. If they have customers coming back day in day out for a coffee, the rest will look after itself.
