Greek cafes

Londys cafe, Toowoomba, 1962. This architectural map of Londys Greek café appeared in the application for a restaurant liquor license by the Levonis Brothers who intended to expand operations for their Toowoomba cafe. After lodging the application, notice was posted in the Toowoomba Chronicle on 12 February 1962 asking for public comment. The liquor license file offers interesting insights into the operation of the café, and how some Queenslanders worked. Londys employed one cook, three assistant cooks, six waitresses, one pastry cook, one pastry cook’s apprentice, one bake-house assistant, two snack bar attendants and one milk bar attendant. When the nominee on the license, George Levonis, was asked what experience he had in cafes, he responded: ‘7 years in present establishment as managing partner/ 9 years association with parents’ café business in Maryborough.’ Despite the application being withdrawn on 15 March 1962, Londys café continued to operate. The ‘existing layout’ on the far left of the architectural plan gives an insight into the space inside a Greek café, showing the milk bar and espresso bar as patrons enter and opening into a number of booths. Above the perspective drawing, Londys café is marked in red on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba. Collection of the Queensland State Archives