5 minute read
Rolling Back Time
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni
If you threw the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s into a blender with a hefty dose of community spirit and served it up with a side of cracking good food and drinks, the result would be Seaford’s most memorable eatery, Café La Wheels.
The interior is retro magic; decades of pop culture colliding in an explosion of chrome and vinyl that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a full-scale assault on your senses in the best and most bonkers way possible. But Café La Wheels has substance to match its Instagram worthy interior
Ross Petersen is the mastermind behind this time-travelling eatery, with plans beyond filling bellies – though he does that exceptionally well too. “Our mission is to be more than just a café – we want to be a place where everyone feels welcome and included. We provide employment opportunities for people living with disabilities, create a friendly space for people to connect, and give back to the community that supports us.”
Ross didn’t throw a dart at a map to choose Seaford. “Seaford has a strong sense of community and a welcoming, relaxed coastal feel,” he says. “I wanted Café La Wheels to be in a place where people know each other, support local businesses, and value friendly service.”
With the retro concept, Ross didn’t go halfway – he went full throttle down the vintage highway and never looked back. It’s like someone gave a pop culture devotee an unlimited budget and zero supervision – and somehow it all works brilliantly.
“I’ve always loved the fun, vibrant, and nostalgic feel of past decades. Each era had its own music, style, and energy, and we’ve blended them into a space that’s colourful, uplifting, and instantly memorable.
“From the black-and-white chequered floor to the bright red vinyl booths and walls covered with music and movie memorabilia, every detail transports you back in time. We’ve got an authentic Airstream food truck inside the café, a Peter Brock Holden Torana, an Evil Knievel motorcycle mounted on the wall, and more than 14 projector screens beaming retro footage. Add in neon lighting and the sound of classic hits, and you’re completely immersed in the experience.”
The menu doesn’t ride on the coattails of all this visual madness – it holds its own beautifully. “Our beef burger is a favourite, along with our vegan burger options. People also love our thick milkshakes served in metal cups, just like the old diners used to do. And you can’t go wrong with our all-day breakfast, and the pancakes are a big hit.”
We’ve created a space that’s as much for kids as it is for adults
Families have discovered their new happy place, and it’s easy to understand the magnetism. “We’ve created a space that’s as much for kids as it is for adults,” Ross says. “Families love the music, the retro décor, and the relaxed atmosphere where children are welcome to be themselves. Our menu has something for everyone, and we cater to dietary needs so no one misses out.”
It’s genius really – create a space where grandparents can reminisce about their youth, parents can show their kids what cool used to look like, and children can experience the simple joy of a world where everything was bright, bold, and utterly without pretension.
The real story at Café La Wheels is in who they hire. Ross has turned inclusion into an art form. “It’s something we’re deeply passionate about. We create roles that match each person’s strengths and provide the support they need to succeed. It’s about ability, not disability – and the joy and pride our team members bring to their work is something customers notice and appreciate.”
The training approach is refreshingly human-centred. “We look for staff who genuinely enjoy people. Training focuses on making every customer feel seen and valued – remembering names, chatting with regulars, and going the extra mile. We also encourage staff to treat the café as if it’s their own, which really shows in the service.”
The community has wrapped this place in a warm embrace that would make even Wednesday Addams feel all fuzzy inside. “We’ve been blown away by the support,” Ross says.
“The way customers have embraced our team members with disabilities has been really heart-warming. We’ve had people ask to take photos with staff, and locals drop off gifts or cards just to say thanks for what we’re doing. Many people have also generously donated some memorabilia for the cafe. Those moments remind me why we started this.”
Ross proves he’s got excellent business instincts by actually listening to his customers. “We’ve made some menu tweaks based on what people were asking for – more vegan and glutenfree choices, for example. We’ve also adjusted our seating to make it easier for prams and wheelchairs, based on feedback from families and carers.
“We also have a range of treats for people who like to bring their dogs along. We’re potentially looking into doing functions for people, such as birthday parties, in the future.”
That future is looking as bright as the neon signs adorning the walls. “We’re hoping to expand our opening hours to include nights, and early mornings for tradies, and we’re also looking into a second restaurant in Frankston, which is very exciting. On top of that, we plan to run more community events, like live music afternoons.”
Ross’s ultimate vision is beautifully simple yet revolutionary in today’s world. “We’re here to bring joy, connection, and a little bit of nostalgia to people’s day. I’d like to think we’re a place where locals can gather, visitors can feel at home, and everyone is treated like a friend.”
