AFTER years of turning “perfect pillows of love” and winning the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors, the much-loved Fozzie’s Mini Pancakes van is preparing to say goodbye to Coffs Harbour.
Fozzie’s has been a staple in the local scene for over a decade, with roots going back more than 30 years to the underground Jetty markets.
Current owner Bob Foster, bought the business in 2010 as a side hustle.
Bob was then working for the Attorney-General’s Department but when redundancy struck, he took the leap, pouring heart and batter into what became a thriving venture.
“I could see a niche in the market for mini pancakes,” he said.
“It’s a product everyone in the world enjoys. We’ve even managed to convert a few non-pancake eaters over the years.”
But it wasn’t always syrup and sunshine.
Financial hurdles marked the early days, with conservative lenders unwilling to back the concept.
Determined to make it work, Bob and wife Renee relied on credit cards and short-term loans to get off the ground.
They eventually grew to include two vans and a bright yellow pancake bus.
Then there was the weather.
“There were times we’d be staring out at a pond where our site was supposed to be.”
Over the years, Fozzie’s has collected more than just loyal customers.
They’ve gathered stories, friendships, and unforgettable moments.
Like the time a lifeguard stopped by to ask if they’d found a prosthetic leg (a skydiving mishap, apparently).
Or the dedicated customer who left Canberra at 4am so they could get their fix of pancakes en route to Brisbane before closing.
Now it’s time for Fozzie’s to grow beyond the Mid North Coast.
With franchise documents completed and new opportunities ahead, Bob is heading north to open a flagship store on the Sunshine Coast.
Daughter Alexa, who has been part of the venture from the beginning, will be moving on to her own adventure, and son Jeremy will join the team in its new location.
But the Fozzie’s dream will continue, with hopes of opening more franchises in the future, including, possibly, a return to Coffs Harbour.
Messages flooded in before their final trading day last Sunday, along with handshakes, hugs, heartfelt notes, gifts, and social media tributes.
It was a bittersweet moment for the pancake family and the community they’ve served so warmly.
For now, it’s time to celebrate a legacy of love, laughter, and pancakes.
And as Fozzie’s heads into its next chapter, the gratitude for Coffs Harbour is as rich as the maple syrup they pour.
“Thank you. Your loyalty and support made this possible. We’ll carry every story, smile, and shared pancake with us.”
By Leigh WATSON
