Brett and Christie Briggs opened Oikos with three things in mind: good coffee, good food and good company. Say hello to Oikos – Ipswich’s much needed hit of culture and of course, good espresso.

Discovering the sale of former Beans and Greens by chance, new owners Brett and Christie Briggs purchased the business at 61 Limestone Street on a whim, with baby Feli in tow and a second bundle of joy on its way in April.

“We do a lot of crazy things,” Brett said.

“We always thought later down the track when we were older and our kids had all grown up that we’d like to do a café.”

Being regulars of Beans and Greens, the Ipswich locals reached out to the previous owners of the café and offered to do a face lift – because Christie, who is also a full-time nurse, also dabbles in interior design.

“He sort of was taken aback by it and I said ‘sorry, we didn’t mean to offend you’ and then he said ‘no.. I’m actually looking to sell.’”

The timing could not be more perfect, especially for Brett as the local disability organisation he was working for was closing.

The rest as they say, is history.

Centring their business around the ideologies of community, the husband and wife duo have made a conscientious effort to partner with local produce providers and give back where possible.

Using Kai Coffee for their beans, every bag used will ensure four children in poverty are fed.
They also partner with local non-for-profit organisations like Ipswich Connect, who connect people to their community through positive role modelling.

So what’s on the menu you ask?

Healthy, delicious breakfast and lunch options, with meat sourced by Schulte’s and local produce from the Lockyer Valley right through to the Glasshouse Mountains.

Think acai bowls, avocado on toast, delicious smoothies, healthy soft drinks and even pulled pork and bacon for the meat lovers.

There’s also plenty of dairy free, gluten free and vegan options for those with intolerances.
What’s more, you may just catch a side of live music with your morning or lunch time brew.

“We love Ipswich, but the culture is sort of hurting a little bit,” Brett said.

“We love music and live artists so we thought we’d create a place where people can have good healthy food, good coffee and culture as well.”

Oikos officially opened on March 2nd, so be sure to pop by for a coffee, something to eat and service with a smile at 61 Limestone Street, Ipswich.

Above: Owners of Oikos Café in Limestone Street, Brett and Christie Briggs with baby Feli.