The old Wallerawang train station has come back to life with the opening of cafe Station Expresso on Wednesday, May 17.
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Station Expresso is the brain child of former hotel design consultant Darryl Rowe.
Darryl first came to Wallerawang around 18 months ago and has since fallen in love with the town.
"I like the freshness of it, the convenience, it's only 10 minutes to Lithgow and 40 minutes to Bathurst. The environment, the people are lovely and friendly," he said.
Darryl has a simple formula for success.
"To have the best coffee and good food and good service."
With these three elements the business has received a warm reception.
"Very good. Locals are glad to see the cafe reopen because it was open before being closed for four years," Darryl said.
"We've got our regular clientele already... people are here everyday for coffee."
The cafe makes their own cakes and pies and recently received the high praise of having "the best pies in the world" from a happy customer.
Darryl is chef by trade and was made a legend of the hospitality and travel industry in 2008.
Have the best coffee and good food and good service.
- Owner Darryl Rowe
He has worked in the hospitality industry for 54 years in a wide variety of places. Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Caribbean to name a few.
He has come to the area to semi-retire however most people would say his current job is far from relaxing.
"It's a full-time job but I enjoy it. I take it as a hobby."
Darryl has also taken Wallerawang local Josh Lane under his wing for his first job.
"He's basically my right hand taking the orders while I take care of the coffee and the food," said Mr Rowe.
"He sets everything up in the morning and then tidies everything up at night."
Josh, a graduate from Lithgow High School, said he has enjoyed working with someone as experienced as Darryl.
"It’s always very helpful for someone's that's new because he can always help you out with whatever is going on," Josh said.
Although the 19-year-old has only worked in hospitality for a short time, he was open to pursuing a career in the industry.
"Yeah, if everything picks up I would be happy to tag along, maybe even become a manager at some point in the future," he said.
"It's always to see the community back a new shop."
Station Expresso is open from 9am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.
