A go-to destination for those looking for delicious fare in a cheerful atmosphere, Common Room Co offers a friendly space for everyone, whether it’s for a quick coffee while walking the dog or a relaxed meal with friends.
Nestled within suburbia at the base of a new apartment building in Melbourne’s culturally vibrant Caulfield North, the cafe has become a cherished part of the neighbourhood over the past five years. It’s “an environment where visitors feel welcomed to linger,” shared the owner, Rob Campbell. It not only accommodates gatherings but also provides a comfortable setting for those dining alone, with an emphasis on creating a space “where community is a focal point.”
Strong support from customers in and around the area has helped Common Room Co grow into what Campbell describes fondly as “Caulfield North’s best-kept secret.” Its Instagram page, filled not only with mouth-watering dishes but also cheerful snapshots of tail-wagging guests, is just one reflection of the inviting vibe the cafe cultivates.
Exploring cultural influences and menu highlights
Much like its surroundings, the menu at Common Room Co blends cultural influences, putting a fresh spin on traditional cafe offerings. Championing locally sourced ingredients, it showcases a variety of seasonal dishes that reflect diverse culinary backgrounds.
With beautifully plated options ranging from healthy (fruity coconut chia), comfort (Reuben toastie), indulgent (mascarpone and marmalade crumpets) and adventurous (tropical chilli smoothie), there’s truly something for everyone. Its most popular dish, the Nourish Bowl, is a colourful combination of roasted spiced pumpkin, pickled purple cauliflower, grilled broccolini, halloumi, quinoa and more, served with sourdough and a drizzle of fresh lemon and olive oil.
Enhancing cafe operations with Square technology
After using other point-of-sale systems, Common Room Co was eager to try out Square. Looking for a solution to support its growing business, the cafe made the switch. “We needed a system with diverse options for our other ventures,” Campbell explained. “Square’s features have already proven beneficial across all our businesses.
Both staff and management embraced the transition, as it was “incredibly easy for the team to learn with minimal training required.” Since adopting Square, Campbell has seen improvements across the board – quicker customer service, no order mistakes and faster dish preparation. “The overall experience has greatly improved,” he noted. “Square has been a game-changer for the business.”
Order-taking is now straightforward: staff use Square Register for processing orders at the front counter and iPads for table service, with dockets automatically sent to the coffee machine and kitchen. “The staff have found using Square much more enjoyable, which has enhanced their ability to deliver a better customer experience. They appreciate having a reliable system that makes their jobs easier and supports their efforts.”
Additionally, Square’s data reporting and invoicing features have proven essential to Common Room Co. “The additional data and reports have also been invaluable for our operations,” Campbell said. Square Invoices, in particular, has simplified managing the cafe’s regular customers with accounts, who are now “much happier with the monthly invoices they receive through Square’s invoicing system.”
Future plans for Common Room Co
As Common Room Co continues to grow, it’s excited about introducing new technology, including tableside QR code ordering and an online platform for takeaway orders, while also exploring the idea of expanding into night-time trading – all of which reflect its commitment to serving the local community in Melbourne’s southeast. By embracing customers’ evolving preferences and fostering a space where people can hang out and enjoy great coffee and food, Common Room Co is all about nurturing the sense of belonging that has made it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
