A Humble Beginning with Big Dreams
When Megan and Spencer opened the doors to their first Kookaburra Coffee location in downtown St. Augustine on July 1, 2012, they weren’t just launching a coffee shop — they were pouring their shared heritage, passions, and values into 420 square feet of soul. Rooted in service industry experience, shaped by international family ties, and driven by a dream to create something uniquely theirs, The Kookaburra has grown into a Florida staple — a beloved Aussie-American espresso bar and pie shop with eight locations and a brand identity that balances warmth, grit, and intentionality.
The Inspiration Behind Coffee with the Unique Differentiator of Aussie Pies
The original concept grew out of family and community experiences. Spencer’s upbringing included Aussie meat pies, which were a cherished part of his childhood thanks to his Australian mother. Megan brought strong hospitality experience and a shared passion for service. Together, they fused their love of specialty coffee with the comforting taste of Aussie pies to create something truly unique.
“At its core, the brand was built on a passion for specialty coffee — bold, ethically sourced, expertly roasted — a craft Spencer fell in love with during his early days in Ketchikan, Alaska. Together with Megan, whose hospitality expertise shaped the welcoming spirit of the space, they created more than just a coffee shop: they built a home for quality and connection.
What made it truly unique was the addition of Aussie meat pies, a nostalgic nod to Spencer’s Australian roots and childhood memories.
“We always lamented that you couldn’t get Aussie pies in the States,” Spencer recalled. “They were such a big part of our childhood. That hole in the market stuck with me.”
Specialty coffee remained the heart of the brand — but the Aussie pies gave it a distinctive, personal touch you couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Taking the Leap in St. Augustine
In 2012, while visiting family in St. Augustine, Megan noticed a handwritten note on a shuttered bakery’s door. It read, “Business for Sale. Email to Inquire.” That email led to a whirlwind series of negotiations, and shortly after, the couple found themselves unexpectedly in possession of a 420-square-foot shop in the heart of the historic district. While preparing to relocate from Atlanta they would drive down on weekends to build out the space, and just days before opening, made the permanent move to Florida.
What began with long hours, seven-day workweeks, and the couple doing everything themselves, soon grew into something bigger than they imagined. Their first shop quickly became a community hub — not just for coffee, but for conversation, consistency, and comfort.
Growing the Brand, One Shop at a Time
The loyal following and growing demand led to their second shop on SR 312 in 2014, equipped with a full commercial kitchen. With that, they could bake in-house and expand their menu offerings. From there, Kookaburra added a location at St. Augustine Beach, then their original roasting facility, and a flagship store south near Dondanville Road and A1A. In 2020, they moved their roasting operations and opened a fifth shop on SR 207. The sixth shop opened in the Nocatee Town Center, their first foray outside Northeast St. Augustine.
And then in 2024, Kookaburra Coffee opened in Alachua — their seventh store and their first in the Gainesville region.
“We’ve always grown organically,” Spencer says. “Every new location has been bootstrapped. We build from the ground up — from the success of one to fund the next.”
A Warm Welcome in Alachua
The Alachua shop opened to overwhelming support. Thanks to years of customers from Gainesville and surrounding areas who visited Kookaburra in St. Augustine, there was already a built-in familiarity with the brand.
“There’s a really awesome community in Alachua,” Spencer said. “People were familiar with us already. That Gainesville-St. Augustine connection made it feel like home from day one.”
Now, the couple is eyeing Gainesville proper for their next expansion — a shop in the downtown core. While details are still under wraps as the lease finalizes, excitement is already brewing.
Roasting with Intention
What continues to set Kookaburra apart is its people, process, and purpose. Since 2016, they’ve roasted their own beans, sourcing directly from farms around the world and sending team members to visit coffee producers firsthand.
“When you see how much work and love goes into growing coffee, you feel a responsibility to do it justice,” Spencer says. “We roast to highlight the origin characteristics — to honor the story behind every bean.”
Their shops reflect that same care and attention to detail. From their curated merch to their vibrant community atmosphere, Kookaburra is more than a place to grab a latte — it’s a place to connect.
People First: The Kookaburra Culture
“Our team is the heart of the brand,” Spencer adds. “They bring passion, consistency, and warmth into every interaction. They’re why our customers keep coming back.”
With eight locations now open and a strong vision for the future, The Kookaburra continues to write its story — blending Australian roots with American hustle, and delivering coffee with a cause to communities that truly feel like home.