The Ballina Tourism Team caught up with local business owner Gera to chat about what he loves about the Ballina Coast & Hinterland. Gera took over E.S.P Espresso Bar in Alstonville back in August 2023, which saw him expand his business, owning both Benchtop Espresso Lismore and now E.S.P. From chatting to him you can genuinely see the pride he takes on delivering great coffee and service.

When you are not busy running two successful businesses, where are your favourite places to go around the Ballina Coast & Hinterland?

Honestly, cafes are my happy place. A place I go to to clear my head or relax and do some work. You would usually find me in one of the many fabulous cafes around the region with a laptop or a book.

If you are having a day off from work, where are you taking your visiting friends for dinner?
It's really hard to choose just one spot. My daughter and I really love the Indian food at Indo Indian Cuisine in Alstonville - it is, in my opinion, one of the best in the region. A couple of the cafes in Alstonville have also recently been opening for dinner and I've been dying to check them out.

What is your coffee order and treat you recommend from your menu?
My standard order is always an Espresso and a Piccolo. I like to see how a coffee tastes both as black and with milk and can never decide on just one of them.

We've got so many delicious treats at the cafe, it's hard to choose just one. Now I am not a big sweet tooth person but even I can't go past the "Cherry Ripe" slice. Not only is it gluten free and vegan but it's seriously delicious and has been my go to afternoon pick me up.