October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region. Read all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing a little something special to everyday life: an Armidale drive-through serving great coffee and hearty pies, a Mid North Coast retreat combining beachfront stays with nature and celebrations, and a Glen Innes favourite bringing together fresh flowers, homemade cakes and thoughtful gifts.
Easy As Armidale
Great coffee, hearty pies and service made easy
Armidale, NSW
When you’re on the go, sometimes you need a good coffee, something tasty to eat and service that fits around your day. Easy As Armidale brings all three together with a convenient drive-through and a menu offering plenty of choice.
Owned by Jason Richey, this family business serves coffee and cold drinks alongside gourmet pies, freshly made rolls, sandwiches, wraps and sweet treats.
It’s also home to Ridgey Didge Pies Armidale, giving pie lovers another reason to pull in and see what’s on offer.
With drive-through access via Naughten Avenue, Easy As makes it simple to grab breakfast, lunch or a quick pick-me-up without needing to find a parking spot and head inside.
The focus is on combining fast service with quality food and drinks, whether customers are heading to work, running errands or simply looking for an easy lunch stop.
For locals who want more than a takeaway coffee, Easy As offers a handy one-stop option for a drink, a freshly made sandwich or a satisfying pie.
Serenity Diamond Beach
Beachfront escapes, nature and special moments
Diamond Beach, NSW
With the beach on one side and national park on the other, Serenity Diamond Beach offers guests a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a coastal getaway with plenty to do.
Located at Diamond Beach on the Mid North Coast, the retreat offers villas to suit a range of budgets and needs, alongside facilities designed for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a gym, tennis court, children’s play area, day spa, onsite bar and restaurant, and complimentary yoga.
For those who prefer to explore, the natural surroundings are a major part of the appeal. Guests have direct beach access, walking trails nearby and opportunities to kayak along the creek towards the ocean, with local wildlife adding to the experience.
Serenity is also a destination for weddings, celebrations and events. With reception facilities and onsite accommodation for up to 150 guests, it offers couples and event organisers the convenience of bringing people together in one coastal location.
General Manager Melanie Berriman brings extensive experience in resort and event management, with a particular passion for creating memorable guest experiences and destination weddings.
Whether it’s a family holiday, a relaxing break or a milestone celebration, Serenity Diamond Beach brings accommodation, hospitality and the outdoors together in one special setting.
Rhubarb & Rosie
Flowers, baking and thoughtful gifts to make people feel special
Glen Innes, NSW
In the heart of Glen Innes, Rhubarb & Rosie celebrates the simple pleasures of home – fresh flowers, home baking, indoor plants and thoughtful gifts.
Owner Janie Kent is a born-and-bred Glen Innes local with a passion for baking and gardening. Taking over the business around eight years ago, she has gradually expanded the traditional florist into a welcoming store filled with flowers, plants, pots, homewares and gourmet hamper products.
There’s a kitchen at the heart of the business, where cupcakes and specialty cakes are baked from scratch, without packet mixes. From personalised wedding and birthday cakes to beautiful floral arrangements and carefully assembled hampers, the focus is on creating something special for every recipient.
Customers can also add extras such as chocolates, wine, balloons and bears to their orders, with delivery available five days a week to Glen Innes, Inverell, Armidale, Tenterfield and Guyra.
For Janie, it’s all about bringing together the things that make a house feel like home – and helping people celebrate the people who matter to them.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
Want to highlight your business? Just fill in this form – places are limited.
Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.