Meet Andrew

For some, coffee is just a morning wake-up call. For Andrew, it’s a twenty-year tradition rooted in a single, recognisable blue and white sign.

A regular at the Southport location since its doors first opened, Andrew’s loyalty to the brand is as consistent as the brew itself. “My name is Andrew, and I've been a Merlo coffee drinker for at least 20 years. I’ve been at this particular spot in Southport since it opened,” he says.

That sense of reliability is exactly what keeps him coming back. “When I do go out, it’s finding that blue and white sign in the distance when you’re driving along. If I see the blue and white Merlo sign, I know I’m gonna get a good coffee. And here, you can just tell the baristas take pride in what they do.”

Bringing the Café Experience Home

Andrew is no stranger to the art of the bean; his journey started well before he could even drive to a café. “I’ve been drinking coffee since I was seven,” he shares.

These days, that lifelong love of coffee has evolved into a high-end home setup, centred around a gift that changed his morning routine forever. “My wife surprised me and bought me a Breville Oracle coffee machine. And I’ve gotta tell you, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. It’s a great machine, but we only ever use Merlo coffee beans.”

To keep his hopper full, Andrew relies on the seamlessness of Merlo’s subscription service, a lifesaver for a fan living across the border.

“I subscribe to Merlo and get it delivered. Literally, I can ring them up, text, or email, and it will be at my place in New South Wales a couple of days later, like literally the next day. It’s been fantastic. I have so many people come visit, and they just love the coffee. They won’t go out, which is terrible because I can’t get rid of them, sometimes they move in just for the coffee!”

More Than Just a Bean

While Andrew is a creature of habit, he appreciates the variety and heart that the subscription offers. “I’m really down with espresso beans. They’re very consistent with Merlo too. It’s my go-to, but I also like when Merlo puts on specials for subscribers. You can try a different blend, or they’ll be raising money for Surf Life Saving. It’s a good thing to subscribe to.”

It’s not just about the liquid in the cup, either. To truly replicate the atmosphere of his favorite Southport haunt, Andrew has curated his own "home café" aesthetic. “When I serve people at home, I want them to feel like they’re in a café, so I’ve bought a lot of Merlo merch. It’s great stuff, it gives you that coffee shop feeling in your own home.”

The Heart of the Ritual

Ultimately, Andrew’s story isn’t just about the mechanics of a Breville or the speed of a delivery; it’s about the connection that happens over a warm mug. Whether he’s at the Southport counter or hosting friends in New South Wales, the goal remains the same.

“I think, you know, whatever you’re doing, just get out with your friends and have a chat and enjoy coffee. Make it a Merlo, you’ll be a lot happier.”

With decades of experience and a house full of "permanent" guests to prove it, Andrew knows that a great cup of coffee is the ultimate catalyst for community. Through pride, consistency, and a little bit of merch, he’s turned a daily habit into a lifelong passion.

Our Coffee Fanatics series shines a light on the people who make Merlo what it is. Follow our socials and blog as we continue celebrating the routines, rituals, and regulars behind every cup. ☕💙