Husband & wife team (and Fox In The Chamber operators) Remy and Bonnie moved to Woodend (from Melbourne) in 2014.​

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A passion for produce, community, social initiatives, as well as extensive experience within the Melbourne hospitality industry brought Remy and Bonnie together early in their careers. Remy having worked with Melbourne coffee heavyweights such as Code Black and Proud Mary Coffee Roasters, whilst Bonnie having completing her communications degree, managing venues and working as a freelancer in design studios.

 

Spearheading a not for profit team working with cafes to support the unemployed, Bonnie needed someone to host coffee training workshops for a Melbourne Social Enterprise.  At the time Remy was a senior barista at Proud Mary Café, and upon being recommended, jumped at the offer. This was just the beginning, both Remy & Bonnie would continue to work within the local community regardless of location or occupation.

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The couple agrees that one of their proudest professional achievements was a neighbourhood garden project working with disadvantaged members of the community. This brought people together not only by harvesting their own produce but also by creating a space to open up about their experiences, learn and share stories.

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Always knowing that they eventually wanted to settle somewhere more rural, Woodend continued to come up in conversation. The couple already had visions of opening their own café that grows its own quality, sustainable produce, and it took only a few visits to the region to decide that Woodend was the perfect place to do it! ​

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The couple would continue to commute initially, but also began to work hours at The Chamber Art & Coffee House (the existing art gallery/café within the Council Chamber building). At the time the space was owned by Philip Holgate and for the first 6 months, they would jump in to lend a hand during busy periods. This was an invaluable experience in getting to know the faces within the neighbourhood and cemented their love affair with The Chamber and its surrounds.

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When the café became available to purchase in early 2016 (just weeks before the birth of their first child) Remy and Bonnie jumped at the opportunity, and the chapter as Fox In The Chamber had begun!

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Looking to the future, we can be sure that Bonnie and Remy's passion for the environment, innovation and bringing people together will result in something truly unique for many years to come!