Customer helps understaffed cafe in Noosaville Queensland by putting on an apron and doing the dishes

A regular customer performed an incredible act of generosity at her local cafe after hearing employees say they were understaffed.

After hearing staff complain over breakfast at Miss Effie’s Kitchen in Noosaville on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast last Wednesday, customer Janet returned an hour later with an apron in hand ready to help the struggling staff.

The café operated with just three staff – after one member of staff called in sick and the other took the other off – to cater for up to 35 diner customers and numerous take-out orders.

Jumping into the kitchen without complaint, Janet performed one of the hospitality industry’s more despised jobs; dishes, dishes and cutlery.

The cafe’s owners, Effie and Fiona, were shocked to see Janet return, saying they were “feather blown over” by her generosity.

According to Fiona, Janet wouldn’t take no for an answer and insisted she help out with her husband after breakfast.

“We told her it’s fine, but she just said, ‘I want to work, I’m happy to be here,'” Fiona said.

“The sheer generosity of that act, we (she and Effie) were floored.

“She even stayed until 2:30 p.m. even though we close at 2:00 p.m.… She was an absolute superstar.”

While not the most respected job in the kitchen, cleaning plates and cutlery was just what was needed on that day.

“Trying to cover the peak with just three staff, just one in the kitchen, was a lot,” said Fiona.

“If we also had to do the dishes, I don’t think I would have been at the end.”

Janet’s generosity was also complimentary, as she refused to take home any food or compensation at the end of the shift.

“She’s a beautiful, beautiful lady and she was sure she wouldn’t get any compensation,” Fiona said.

“I’ll discount her coffee as long as she comes here.”

Janet even came back at 7am the next morning ready to get back to work but the cafe had a member of staff back and was able to work without her help.

Miss Effie’s Kitchen (pictured) opened at a ‘not ideal time’ last July, but has successfully built a base of loyal locals that reflect Janet’s generosity

The café’s owners, Fiona (left) and Effie (right), were ‘floored’ by customer Janet’s generosity and praised the local community for continuing to support the small business

The business opened in July last year, which Fiona says was “not an ideal time to open, especially for this type of business.”

Like many hospitality businesses, Miss Effie’s Kitchen has struggled to find long-term staff after many international workers were forced out of Australia during Covid.

The cafe’s barista is Fiona’s son, who they luckily had on board while he’s on a gap year, while Effie’s sister puts her hand up to work about three days a week.

The problem has also been exacerbated industry-wide by rising operational costs, including ingredients, rent and utilities.

However, by focusing their efforts on building a base of returning local residents and workers at nearby businesses, Fiona and Effie have managed to thrive in the small community.

“They’re just locals, we’re surrounded by offices… we’re not really a touristy place,” Fiona said.

‘We love our customers and that’s why we talk to them.

“Her (Janet’s) generosity seems to be reflected in many of our customers saying ‘this (Miss Effie’s Kitchen) is great’.”

“We opened the business to feed people, make them happy, and the support we get in return is better than the money going into our bank account.”

With no other way to thank her, the company posted an image of Janet dutifully cutlery to a local Facebook group.

“Thank you Janet…we are truly grateful and appreciate all you have done for us today,” the message reads.

Countless locals responded to the post, describing Janet’s act as “fantastic,” “lovely,” and “typical of many in our wonderful community.”