After 17 years at Cafe Woodworks, Eric Dangerfield is building another Bungendore institution

The community of Bungendore got its first permanent food truck in January 2023.

Named Eric’s, owner Eric Dangerfield is leveraging his name, which is well-known and trusted in the Bungendore dining scene.

Eric built that name primarily with his former cafe, the Cafe Woodworks. Having owned the business for 17 years, his reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality food has followed him, and he is now providing the same quality from his converted caravan.

Sitting within the fences of the retail collective, The Malbon, Eric’s is a key part of building a community hub in Bungendore for both locals and the passing coast traffic. As people mill through the antiques, artisan products and art within The Malbon, Eric ensures everyone is well caffeinated and suitably fed.

“Our aim here is to have consistent, good food. It’s simple, relaxed and easy,” says Eric.

“I’ve always loved the sign at the Yass Road takeaway. We don’t do fast food, we do good food as fast as we can, and I think that’s where we’re at.”

Eric is delivering on all his aims but is humble when it comes to his food. His years of owning Cafe Woodworks have set Eric up with a solid supply chain delivering high-quality ingredients, which he handles with a refined hand.

His sandwiches always have special touches like a handmade beetroot or tomato relish that sets off the dish, his muffins come out hot, his handmade pork and fennel sausage rolls sell out every day, and his calamari salads always have a lovely light batter and a zesty dressing. To the delight of diners, he shows his experience in every dish.

Eric has brought his son Louis, who is a near-daily face serving at the window, into the business. Together, they benefit from the businesses around them and the local community, who are always keen to be a part of the venture.

“The nursery here has planter boxes of herbs, which I can pick when I need them. The locals like to bring me their homegrown produce and herbs,” says Eric.

“We’ve got a great community here in Bungendore. The firepit was donated by a local, and now we’ve got a following of people who like to sit around the fire and gasbag.”

It’s no wonder Eric has built a following. The small touches he sees as a normal part of his day don’t go unnoticed by the community.

“We have dog treats so people can bring their dogs down and feel comfortable, we have little kids’ play area, and people can bring us their coffee mugs, and we keep a hold of them for when they come back in,” Eric explains.

“We even have two local ceramicists who keep their handmade plates here and we serve up their meals on them when they come in.”

Eric has been known to run food out to truckies when they call ahead before they pass through town and is always thinking of value when it comes to his food offerings.

“I want to keep the prices reasonable to exceed people’s expectations. I remember reading something years ago that said that price becomes less important when the value is there. We’re generous with our servings. Some people like to share a toastie when they come in, and we’re ok with that.”

With decades of hospitality behind him, Eric is well-versed in the industry, having seen hundreds of staff through his doors over the years.

“I’m an advocate for hospitality being good for socialisation. You learn about people; you learn to be good in a team. People sometimes think I’m bossy, but I’ve had staff come back years later and thank me for instilling a skill set in them,” Eric explains.

With so many years under his belt, working for Eric has become an institution in Bungendore.

“I had a woman who worked for me years ago as a young one, and since then, all four of her kids have worked for me.”

In the lead-up to Christmas, The Malbon is inviting the public to join them for a Christmas evening on 12 December. Those who come will get a glass of champagne and will be able to browse the gift shopping and dine late with Eric from 5 pm.

Eric’s is open 7 days a week from 7 am until 2 pm. You can keep up with their menu and community events on their Instagram page.

Original Article published by Tenele Conway on Riotact.