If you are chasing fresh falafels, vibrant flavours and consistently great coffee on the Gold Coast, Fala Fels in Mermaid Waters is quickly becoming a local favourite. Proudly pouring Merlo coffee alongside fast, fresh Mediterranean eats, this relaxed neighbourhood café has built a loyal following of regulars who come for the coffee and stay for the atmosphere.

Since taking over the café in late 2023, owner Shaun has focused on keeping things simple: quality food, friendly service and coffee customers can rely on every visit.

A café built on community and consistency

Shaun stepped into café ownership after years working in retail. While hospitality was new territory, he quickly found his rhythm.

“I wasn’t specifically looking for a café,” he explains. “But when I saw this one, I liked the concept. The food was fresh, fast and different. It just felt right.”

Located in a busy Mermaid Waters pocket surrounded by locals, Fala Fels has become a true neighbourhood café. Regulars drop in for their morning coffee, a quick lunch or a chat across the counter. The Merlo branding out front attracts coffee lovers, but the welcoming atmosphere keeps them coming back.

It is this balance of strong coffee and approachable service that helps independent cafés thrive. Many venues looking to create a similar experience often work with wholesale coffee suppliers in Brisbane who provide not just beans, but ongoing café support, equipment guidance and barista training to help maintain quality and consistency.

Local favourites that keep customers coming back

Ask Shaun what people travel for and he does not hesitate.

“The falafel pocket. Hands down. People genuinely come out of their way for it.”

Made fresh daily and packed with flavour, it has quickly earned a reputation among Gold Coast locals. The Moroccan chicken plate is another standout, along with a growing range of smoothies and iced drinks that are especially popular with younger customers. Seasonal drink specials and a relaxed menu keep things interesting, while the focus on fast, fresh meals makes the café an easy everyday choice for nearby residents and workers.

Supported by the Merlo wholesale partnership

Behind the scenes, Shaun credits Merlo’s wholesale support for helping maintain consistency across the coffee offering.

From regular check-ins and equipment support through to barista training for new staff, the partnership helps ensure every cup meets the same high standard. Access to wholesale coffee equipment, ongoing training and reliable bean supply gives independent venues like Fala Fels the confidence to grow while keeping quality front of mind.

“Glenn from Merlo checks in regularly and the training has been a big help,” Shaun says. “Every new team member gets time with the trainers so we keep the coffee consistent.”

For many café owners, this type of hands-on support is just as important as the coffee itself. Working with experienced wholesale coffee suppliers allows venues to focus on customer experience while knowing supply, training and technical support are handled.

Looking ahead

With new developments planned across the Mermaid Waters area, Shaun expects the café to get even busier in the coming years. Growth may eventually mean upgrading equipment or expanding capacity, but the focus will remain the same.

Great coffee. Fresh food. Friendly service.

It is a simple formula that continues to work, and one that keeps locals returning week after week.

Fala Fels Café
Address: 51/73 The Lanes Blvd, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218
Phone: (03) 5984 2566