Unique Solutions for Your Cafe Menu
Why Your Cafe Menu Needs to Be Anything But Boring
Let's be honest. The Sunshine Coast cafe scene is packed. You've got your standard smashed avo, your predictable flat whites, and a whole lot of sameness. But people aren't just looking for fuel anymore. They want an experience. They want a spot that surprises them and gives them a reason to come back.
That's exactly why we opened The Nines almost 10 years ago. The local scene needed something bigger, bolder, and way more fun. Our philosophy? We Don't Do Boring. And that starts with a unique cafe menu that blends classic comfort with creative twists. We're talking signature takes on classics, limited-time specials that create buzz, a balance of hearty and fresh dishes, Instagram-worthy presentation, and inclusive options for everyone.
It's not just about throwing random ingredients together. It's about taking something familiar and making it unforgettable. It's about creating a space where the food, the coffee (we pour local Vintage Black blend by Tim Adams), and the vibe all come together to give you a morning worth remembering.
Whether you're a local who's sick of the same old brunch spots or a visitor hunting for something that actually delivers on the hype, this guide will walk you through how we've built a menu that keeps people talking.
I'm Janice Kuz , owner of The Nines Emporium, and I've spent over 20 years in hospitality, perfecting the art of a unique cafe menu . In this guide, I'll share the exact strategies we use to keep our menu fresh, exciting, and completely un-boring.
Crafting a Truly Unique Cafe Menu That Gets People Talking
So, you want a menu that stands out? At The Nines, we've cracked the code on making our menu not just delicious, but genuinely memorable. It's all about thinking outside the box while still giving a nod to those comforting classics we all love. Here's how we do it.
1. Reinvent a Classic Until It’s a Legend
We all love a good classic, but a classic doesn't have to be boring. We see it as a chance to turn something familiar into something legendary. Take our Eggs Benedict , for example. It's a brunch staple, but we thought, "How can we make this 'Nines-level' epic?"
Enter our famous "Benny Trilogy." We didn't just offer one version; we created three distinct, drool-worthy takes:
- Eggs Benedict Bacon: The classic done right, with crispy, golden bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and velvety hollandaise, all served with spinach, avo, and a hash brown on toasted sourdough.
- Eggs Benedict Smoked Salmon: For a touch of luxury, we pair delicate smoked salmon with our silky poached eggs and rich hollandaise. It's an indulgent classic that makes your taste buds sing.
- Eggs Benedict Mushroom (V): The real game-changer. We sauté roasted garlic, thyme, mushrooms, and smother them in our signature pesto hollandaise. It's a vibrant, earthy flavour explosion that proves vegetarian doesn't mean sacrificing flavour.
My personal go-to? You'll often find me with an oat latte and a Bacon Benny. It just hits different. This approach of respecting tradition while injecting a serious dose of Nines personality is what makes our unique cafe menu truly legendary.
Want to dive deeper into our Benny obsession? Check out The Benny Trilogy: The Nines Take on Eggs Benedict.
2. Use Monthly Specials to Create Hype
If you want people talking about your cafe, you've got to give them something new to talk about. That's where our monthly specials come in. They're a core part of our unique cafe menu strategy, designed to create a buzz and let our incredible team flex their creative muscles.
Here's the secret sauce: we keep our finger on the pulse of what's trending and listen to what our customers are asking for. Our kitchen team and baristas, who are absolute wizards, then put their own fun, creative twist on those ideas. It's their chance to experiment, and sometimes, those experiments are so good they make it onto our main menu permanently!
Our specials are about creating an exclusive experience. We often base our food specials around pancakes because, let's be real, who doesn't love a good pancake stack? We've had some absolute bangers, like our ridiculously decadent Dubai Chocolate Pancakes and the childhood-dream-come-true Oreo Pancakes.
Our baristas are always whipping up next-level drink specials, too. Remember the Ube Taro Cold Foam? That iced taro latte crowned with lush ube foam was a hit! These unique creations keep our drink menu fresh and exciting.
The kicker? Our monthly specials are only available for that month. When they're gone, they're gone. This creates a real sense of urgency, making each visit a unique adventure. It's our way of keeping things fresh, dynamic, and anything but boring.
For a taste of our sweet side, check out Sweet Brunch Favourites at The Nines Maroochydore.
3. Master the Balance Between Comfort and Creativity
A truly unique cafe menu isn't just about wild dishes. It's about striking that perfect balance between comforting classics and creative twists. At The Nines, we want to be your go-to for a hearty feed, but also the spot that introduces you to your new favourite flavour combo.
For comfort, our Big Boi Brekky is a must. We're talking two rashers of crispy bacon, two fried eggs, a cheese kransky, a hash brown, house-made beans, and all the trimmings on toasted sourdough. It's a generous, satisfying start to any day.
Then, our creative flair shines through in dishes like the Aussie Burg (GFO) . This isn't just any burger; it's a breakfast burger with a Nines twist. A succulent beef brisket patty, melty cheese, beetroot, a fried egg, and grilled pineapple, all in a toasted milk bun with a side of shoestring fries. It's a flavour bomb that screams "modern Aussie."
For those who want something fresh, our Corn Fritters (V) are a revelation. We make them in-house with corn and zucchini, served with a poached egg, a vibrant avocado and tomato salad, and a zingy minted yoghurt dressing. It's light, bright, and proves that vegetarian options can be the star.
And on the lighter side, our Pumpkin Salad (GFO, V) is a masterpiece of roasted pumpkin and beetroot, pearl couscous, creamy fetta, and a refreshing dill dressing. This careful curation means there's always something to suit your mood, ensuring our menu remains dynamic and appealing to everyone.
Find out more about how we blend the familiar with the fantastic at Why Dine at The Nines: Classic Menu with a Modern Twist.
4. Design Dishes That Are Made for the 'Gram
People eat with their eyes first, especially when it comes to finding a unique cafe menu . We get it. If it looks good, it's definitely going to end up on the 'Gram. That's why at The Nines, presentation is a crucial ingredient in every dish.
Our sweet treats are especially designed to be picture-perfect. Take our famous Pancakes (V) . This isn't just a couple of pancakes on a plate; it's a towering, fluffy stack loaded with maple bacon bits, grilled banana, crunchy candied walnuts, vanilla ice cream, and a decadent drizzle of maple syrup. It's a masterpiece of textures and flavours that photographs beautifully.
Then there's our incredible Waffle (V) . We start with a house-made waffle, then pile on blueberry poached pears, a zesty lemon curd, a vibrant blueberry compote, a delicate dusting of meringue snow, and more vanilla ice cream. It's a symphony of colours and tastes, almost too pretty to eat. Almost!
Our commitment to presentation goes back to our name, "The Nines," a play on "dressed to the nines." It reflects our dedication to flavour, personality, and visual appeal. We want your dining experience to be a sensory journey, from the moment the plate lands on your table to that last blissful bite.
Ready for your close-up? Explore our indulgent waffles and more at Sunshine Coast Waffles: A Guide to Your Next Indulgent Bite.
5. Build a Unique Cafe Menu for Everyone
A truly unique cafe menu isn't just about what's on it, but who it's for. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a fantastic dining experience, which is why inclusivity is at the heart of our menu at The Nines. We've worked hard to ensure there are delicious options for everyone, whether you're gluten-free, vegetarian, or bringing the whole family.
We've made it easy to steer our menu with clear labels for Vegetarian (V) and Gluten-Free Optional (GFO) dishes. Many of our most popular dishes, like our famous Avo Toast or the hearty Aussie Burg, can be adapted to be GFO. Our vegetarian dishes, like the Corn Fritters (V) and Pumpkin Salad (GFO, V), are designed to be flavour heroes in their own right, not just an afterthought.
But inclusivity isn't just about dietary needs; it's about being a welcoming space for everyone. We're proud to be a family-friendly spot with a dedicated kids menu that keeps the little ones happy:
- Bacon & Eggs (GFO): A mini brekkie classic.
- Mini Pancakes (V): Fluffy pancakes with ice cream and maple syrup.
- Nuggets & Fries: A go-to comfort food for kids.
- Fish & Chips: A seaside favourite for tiny appetites.
And because we love all members of your family, we're also dog-friendly! Your furry mates are welcome in our outdoor area. We're all about creating a space where you can relax and enjoy a fantastic meal without any fuss.
Find more about our inclusive options at Gluten-Free Goodness: Breakfast and Brunch Options at The Nines.
6. How Drinks Complete Your Unique Cafe Menu
A truly unique cafe menu isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience, and that absolutely includes what you're sipping on. At The Nines, we treat our drinks with as much passion and creativity as our food.
Our coffee game is strong. We proudly pour the local Vintage Black blend by Tim Adams , a name synonymous with quality on the Sunshine Coast. Our baristas are true craftspeople, whether you're after a classic flat white or something more adventurous like a turmeric latte.
But we don't stop at standard coffee. We're known for our incredible cold foams , which add a luxurious texture and a burst of flavour to iced lattes. Our frappes are pure indulgence, perfect for those hot Maroochydore days, while our fresh juices and smoothies are packed with wholesome goodness.
And because we believe brunch should be an all-day affair, we also offer beers after 10 am. Who says you can't pair a crispy cold one with your Aussie Burg? It's all part of our "We Don't Do Boring" mantra, providing options that suit every mood.
So, whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a smoothie fanatic, our drink menu is designed to delight. It's the perfect complement to our amazing food, ensuring every visit to The Nines is a complete and utterly satisfying experience.
Dive into our world of incredible sips and signature cold foams at The Nines Maroochydore: Great Food, Coffee, Signature Cold Foams.
Ready to Ditch Boring? Here’s Your Next Move
Well, there you have it, mates! Six solutions that show how we've crafted a truly unique cafe menu at The Nines Emporium. It's not just about serving food; it's about serving up an experience every single time you walk through our doors.
Our philosophy, "We Don't Do Boring," is embedded in every dish we create. It's born from over 20 years of hospitality experience and a genuine passion for making people happy through good food and great vibes.
We believe we've helped raise the bar for the local cafe scene. Whether you're chasing a reinvented classic like our Benny Trilogy, eager to try our limited-time monthly specials, or looking for a menu that caters to everyone (with plenty of GFO and V options, plus a dedicated kids menu!), we've got you covered. And let's not forget our incredible range of drinks, from Tim Adams coffee to our signature cold foams and even a cold beer after 10 am.
We're always tweaking things, always looking for that next-level good idea. We're open from 7 am to 3 pm every single day, with the kitchen closing 30 minutes prior.
So, if you're ready to dive into a cafe experience that's vibrant, flavour-packed, and full of personality, come on down to The Nines Emporium at Shop 17A, Sunshine Homemaker Centre, 100 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore. Come see why we're a local favourite and experience our unique cafe menu for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!
Check out our full menu online to plan your next visit:






