Brewing up success in Shepparton
MEET Gobie Raju, a passionate food and beverage enthusiast who has transformed Shepparton’s local culinary scene. As the proud owner of The Last Straw Cafe and Bean Around Coffee Roasters, and a co-owner of the Black Rabbit Gin distillery, he’s on a mission to enhance the town’s gastronomic culture.
Born into the food and beverage industry, Gobie’s passion for the culinary arts is deeply ingrained. “It’s in my DNA,” he says, “I’ve loved and been passionate about food my entire life.” After making Shepparton his home, he’s now committed to giving back and improving the local community.
In 2012, Gobie visited The Last Straw and told his wife, “One day, I will own this place.” Fast forward ten years to the day, and his dream became a reality. Under his stewardship, the cafe now extends dinner to three days per week and offers more options for functions.
At Bean Around Coffee Roasters, Gobie and his son have worked tirelessly to source the best bean suppliers, doubling the business since taking over. “Our passion is consistency,” says Gobie, who has spent a lot of time and effort to master the art of coffee roasting.
Gobie’s latest venture is Black Rabbit Gin, a locally made Shepparton brand. “I want to support and help the grow the community as much as possible, so I wanted to jump right into the local brand and distillery,” he shares. The gin, which uses local plum juice, wheat, and hops, has plans to go international.
Gobie dreams of seeing it in big cities, cocktail bars, and national chains, and even at major events like the AFL and F1.
