Annie Lane: Serving up Queensland’s best breakfast

By Sheree Hoddinett  

For Candice Kiss and her hardworking team, breakfast is more than just putting together a meal, it’s a passion. And now, that passion has been recognised at the very highest level, with Annie Lane taking out Best Breakfast in Queensland at the prestigious Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.  

Dubbed the “Oscars of hospitality,” the awards set the benchmark for the industry, with venues assessed anonymously by industry judges across 56 detailed criteria, including food quality, ingredient sourcing, presentation, innovation, customer service and overall experience.  

For the past three years, Annie Lane have been proud state finalists, already no small feat in a fiercely competitive field. But this year, they finally claimed the top spot, beating out some of Queensland’s most well-known and highly regarded breakfast institutions.  

“It was honestly a shock, in the best way possible,” Candice said. “We have always been proud to stand alongside the state’s best cafés, but to actually win… it’s just such a massive moment for our team and our little café on Bribie.”  

The awards night was held at the Marriott on the Gold Coast. Sadly, Candice couldn’t attend as the awards were held on the same day as her father’s funeral. In a beautiful twist, a couple of staff members made a last-minute decision to attend and represent the business. 

“When the announcement came through, there were a lot of emotions,” Candice said. “It felt like a win not just for us, but for every small, hardworking hospitality business out there.” 

Candice’s journey into hospitality began with humble beginnings, a small food truck, often staffed with help from her children, serving good food made with heart. That venture grew into the first café, Annie Lane, which opened with just three staff members. 

“Nearly 10 years on, we’re now running three cafés — Annie Lane, Gather & Feast and Ruby Tuesday — with a team of 35 passionate people,” Candice said. “We have built this business on passion, grit and a love for local food and community.” 

That love of community has been returned in spades. Since the award announcement, customers have showered the team with flowers, congratulations and heartfelt messages.  

“Bribie Island has really wrapped its arms around us,” Candice said. “This win is shared with our community, they have backed us every step of the way.” 

Candice knows that hospitality is an ever-evolving game.  

“To stay relevant, you need to keep growing, stay sharp and never stop learning,” she said. “But at the same time, success doesn’t mean you need the flashiest fit-out or the biggest following. It’s about understanding true customer service, owning your story and celebrating the best of what’s around you, for us, that’s the incredible produce of the Moreton Bay region.” 

The team is already looking ahead, with several exciting initiatives in the works. One is the upcoming Regionality Program, which will highlight dishes made with local, seasonal produce. Another is the push toward Level One ECO Certification through the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, part of a long-term commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism. 

And it seems, the awards season isn’t over just yet. The best breakfast win isn’t the only accolade on the horizon. All three cafés are currently finalists in the Precedent Local Business Awards, with the results to be announced in September. In October, they’ll head to the national finals for best breakfast and they are hoping to make it to the finals for the Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards. 

“We don’t enter awards for the spotlight,” Candice said. “We do it because our team works their butts off and they deserve recognition. These programs are professionally judged, so the feedback we get is invaluable, it’s a benchmark for us to measure ourselves against and helps us keep improving.” 

No matter how many trophies the team takes home, Candice insists their focus will remain unchanged.  

“It’s always been about people, produce and purpose,” she said. “That’s what drives us every single day.” 

And as for that award-winning breakfast? Candice isn’t giving away too many secrets, except to say it’s made with fresh local produce, a lot of care and the same philosophy that’s taken them from a tiny food truck to one of Queensland’s best. 

“To now be recognised as delivering the best breakfast in Queensland is such a proud moment and a huge boost for the whole team,” she said.  

Go and try the best breakfast right here on our doorstep. Annie Lane Café, 5/1 Toorbul Street, Bongaree.