In the Western suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, a small family-owned business is brewing up a storm in the coffee scene. Established in 2018 by brothers Jeno and Toby, Rival Brothers Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee provider; it’s a manifestation of a shared passion for coffee, community, and sustainable business practices.

Jeno’s journey into the world of coffee began in a local coffee shop, where he transitioned from crafting coffees to mastering the art of roasting on the job. Meanwhile, Toby, after six years in the Northern Territory, returned to Adelaide with an entrepreneurial spirit, setting the stage for the duo’s collaborative venture.

Fuelled by their shared love for the bean, the brothers invested in organic and fair-trade beans, a small roaster, and time. The result? A unique product brimming with flavour and character. Rival Brothers believes in economic sustainability and sources beans from an Australian company with over a century of experience in the coffee industry. The commitment is not just to a great cup of coffee but to ethical, transparent, and responsible sourcing, ensuring fair-trade practices for coffee farmers and their families.

In January 2020, Rival Brothers introduced its retro vintage van at John Miller Reserve, Somerton Park, adding a charming mobile dimension to their coffee experience. Currently operating from Thursday through Sunday (weather and events permitting), the van has become a fixture, offering not just coffee but a nostalgic and aesthetic experience.

Expanding their fleet, Rival Brothers welcomed a new 12ft white retro coffee van, a blank canvas ready to grace events with elegance and style. Catering to weddings, birthday celebrations, and corporate events, the vans embody a unique blend of sophistication and a touch of something different.

The heart of Rival Brothers lies in its coffee offerings, each batch roasted and handcrafted in small quantities to preserve the distinctive qualities of every bean. Sourcing beans from a trusted Australian partner with a century-old legacy, Rival Brothers presents a selection of blends, each with its own story:

Colombia El Bombo: A dark, inky cup with rich chocolate, cream, and hazelnut notes, ending in a caramel and black tea-like finish. Certification: Organic

Ethiopia Sidamo: A heavy, full-flavored coffee with malt, chocolate, and lemon notes, concluding with a nutty caramel finish. Certification: Fair trade, Organic

Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: Regarded as the King of Coffees, boasting floral black tea with citrusy and honey notes, and a peachy mid-palate leading to a bittersweet chocolate finish. Certification: Fair trade, Organic

Honduras Cocafcal: A heavy-bodied coffee embodying notes of stone fruit, brown sugar, and orange, finishing with a clean caramel note. Certification: Fair trade, Organic

Mexico Fedesi: Grown at a high altitude, featuring bright lemon and lime acidity and a caramel nut finish. Certification: Fair trade, Organic

Brazil SWP (Swiss Water Process): A Swiss Water® Process decaffeinated option, maintaining the distinctive flavor with notes of dark chocolate and walnuts upfront, and a finish of molasses and malt. Certification: Swiss Water Decaf Process

The latest addition to the Rival Brothers family is the Rival Brothers Cafe in Mount Barker. As part of a new complex, this bespoke space exudes quality coffee, brunch, and good vibes, inviting coffee enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the Rival Brothers experience.

We had the opportunity to visit their Mount Barker cafe, to not only try their amazing coffee, but to sample some of their unique food offerings to that location. This location has a tapas menu which is available on Friday evenings from 5-8pm.

Delving into the Acai bowl was a refreshing and invigorating journey for the senses. The velvety smoothness of the acai formed a perfect base, providing a luscious backdrop for the symphony of toppings that followed. The crunch of granola, the burst of freshness from the seasonal fruits, and the nutty richness of almonds created a delightful medley of textures. The coconut flakes added a tropical flair, while the chia seeds brought a subtle crunch and a boost of nutrition. Drizzled with honey, the bowl embraced a natural sweetness that harmonised with the vibrant flavours. The crowning touch, a generous swirl of peanut butter, added a creamy and savoury depth that elevated the entire experience.

Indulging in the house-made gluten-free Pancakes was a brunch experience that surpassed all expectations. The pancakes themselves were a revelation, boasting a fluffy texture and rich flavour despite being gluten-free. The decadence reached new heights with the generous toppings—a luscious dollop of mascarpone, a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, and a colorful array of seasonal fruits that added a burst of freshness to each bite. The zingy lemon curd provided a delightful citrusy note, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the dish. To crown it all, a drizzle of maple syrup tied together the medley of flavors, creating a symphony of sweetness and indulgence.

Indulging in the Eggs benny at this establishment was a morning delight that exceeded all expectations. The two free-range poached eggs were cooked to perfection, with velvety yolks that cascaded over a bed of sautéed baby spinach and crisped bacon. What stole the spotlight, however, was the ingenious twist of serving it all on a house-made sweet potato rosti. The rosti, golden and slightly crispy on the edges, provided a sweet and savory foundation that added a unique dimension to the classic dish. The hollandaise sauce, generously drizzled over the creation, tied everything together with its rich and buttery decadence.

Mums chicken burger was an absolute delight that left a lasting impression on our taste buds. The crispy and tender fried chicken stole the show, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The ensemble of fresh lettuce and juicy tomato added a refreshing crispness, while the melted provolone contributed a creamy and savoury element that elevated the burger to a whole new level. The toasted bun held everything together flawlessly, providing the ideal texture and warmth. The crowning touch was the aioli, which imparted a zesty and garlicky kick, perfectly complementing the other components.

We had the pleasure of savouring the delectable arancini balls crafted from a delightful combination of pumpkin and sundried tomato, generously adorned with a luscious layer of Napoli sauce and pesto. The first bite revealed a perfect harmony of flavours, with the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin complementing the rich intensity of the sundried tomato. The exterior boasted a golden, crispy shell that provided a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy, well-seasoned filling within. The marriage of Napoli sauce and pesto added an additional layer of complexity, offering a tangy zest and herbal freshness that elevated the overall taste

Rival Brothers Coffee Roasters is not just a coffee provider; it’s a narrative of family, passion, and sustainability. From the retro vans rolling through the streets of Adelaide to the bespoke cafe and roastery, each cup tells a story of ethical sourcing, craftsmanship, and community. Rival Brothers is more than a caffeine fix; it’s an experience brewed with love and care.

WHERE:

953 Port Road, Cheltenham

6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker