Lucé the Light of the Fat Frog Beach Café

If you’ve ever strolled past the Fat Frog Beach Café and spotted an adorable brown bundle of curls wagging her tail at passersby, chances are you’ve already met Lucé Italian for light, the resident ray of sunshine in owner Naomi McKinnon’s life.

Lucé, a seven-month-old Lagotto Romagnolo has been stealing hearts since she arrived from a breeder in Victoria at just eight weeks old.

“She’s gone from being a crazy naughty puppy to a fairly settled older puppy,” Naomi laughed. “Thank goodness!”

The name Lucé carries deep meaning. After losing both of her beloved dogs last year, Naomi wanted something that symbolised new beginnings.

While she’s not a full-time employee at Fat Frog just yet, Lucé occasionally visits the café, where she’s promptly spoiled by regulars.

True to her breed’s truffle-hunting roots, Lucé’s nose is always to the ground, sniffing out new adventures. Her favourite pastime? Running like a maniac on the beach Naomi says.

Lucé loves the beach which makes Fat Frog Beach Café the perfect home for her. The café situated across the road from Cannonvale Beach, means not only can Lucé feel the wind in her fur but patrons at Fat Frog get that unbeatable ocean view with their beloved coffee, great food, and community connection.

From day one, Naomi envisioned Fat Frog Beach Café to become a community space that feels like home.

“I've always wanted it to be a place for the community, a place for that's relaxed, happy, customer service focused,” said Naomi.

“We have a lot of every day regular customers, and we actually get to engage with them on a personal level.”

“Not only know their names, but we know what their coffee order is, and what their preferences are with their food.”

That personal touch has paid off. Fat Frog Beach Café has grown into a destination café, drawing both locals and travellers looking for a dose of sunshine and conversation. “People come here because they know exactly what they’re going to get,” said Naomi.

“I love it as much today as I did when I first opened. It’s a joy to come to work every day.”

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