Nestled in the picturesque Samford Village, just a short drive from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Amongst the rolling hills and native bushland, you’ll find Canter and Colt, a vibrant café with deep community roots, growing from the legacy of Four Seasons Organics.

The roots of Four Seasons Organics: A family affair

Four Seasons Organics was founded by Ania and Eugene, who were passionate about providing the local community with healthy, nutrient-dense, spray-free, and locally sourced organic produce and groceries. Their small business quickly became a cornerstone of the Samford Village, celebrated for its commitment to quality, health and sustainability.

As with many family businesses, it didn’t take long before Ania and Eugene’s children, Carina and Rob, became integral to the day-to-day operations. Spending afternoons and weekends helping to stock shelves and serve customers, Carina and Rob absorbed the values of hard work and community spirit.

Canter and Colt: The next generation of organic living

As they grew into young adults, Carina and Rob had already developed a keen entrepreneurial spirit, influenced by their parents’ dedication and the community’s embrace of Four Seasons Organics. Together with Ania and Eugene, they decided to expand the family’s vision by transforming a small deck at the front of their retail store into the area’s first organic café: Canter and Colt.

This was to be Carina and Rob’s own baby to nurture. 

The café’s name was thoughtfully chosen to represent their journey. “‘Colt’ represented us being young,” Carina explains. “My brother was 23, and I was 27 when we started the business. We decided to ‘canter’ on with it – just do it. Sometimes, you need to dive in without overthinking, because life is too short. I’m lucky to share this experience with my brother and enjoy the business we’ve built together.”

More than just a Café

Canter and Colt is more than a café; it’s a place where passion, love, and community thrive. It’s where customers can enjoy a cup of Montville Coffee, made with the same dedication to quality and sustainability that has always been at the heart of Four Seasons Organics. Every visit is a celebration of local, organic living and the unwavering support that makes small businesses flourish.

So, whether you’re craving a delicious organic meal, a freshly cuppa, or simply looking to connect with a community that values sustainability and family, make the trip to Canter and Colt. It’s a day out that promises more than just great food – it’s a taste of what makes this place so special.

As they say, it takes a village. Indeed – Samford Village.

September 17, 2024 — Sean McGowan