NEWS

Dancing Goats Coffee Roasters isn’t just another coffee business – it’s the continuation of a dream, sparked by a man whose love for coffee, people, and community helped shape the local scene in Bendigo.

It all began with Ronnie, also known as the “Coffee King”. Ronnie had a passion for quality, connection, and always pushing things forward. When he wasn’t behind the coffee machine or sharing a laugh with regulars, you’d find him out on his bike or deep in research – always chasing better techniques, better beans, and better ways to bring people together through coffee.

But coffee was only part of what made Ronnie so well loved. He would always go out of his way to help anyone who needed it – whether it was on the bike, in the café, or anywhere in between. He was a man of great integrity and honesty, deeply respected by those who knew him. More importantly, he was a devout family man and a generous supporter of local charities, fundraisers, and community events. Ronnie believed in showing up for people – and he did, time and time again.

In 2019, he began building what would become Dancing Goats Coffee Roasters – a space dedicated to quality roasting, meaningful connections, and genuine craft. But before he could officially launch the project, Ronnie sadly passed away, leaving behind not just plans, but a vision that deserved to be carried on.

At the time, his son-in-law Haydn had been quietly learning the ropes in the background. When Ronnie passed, Haydn stepped into the roastery – not with all the answers, but with deep respect for Ronnie’s legacy and a quiet determination to see it through.

The early days weren’t easy. There were failed roasts, burnt batches, and plenty of lessons learned the hard way. But over time, through persistence and a growing passion for the craft, Haydn found his stride. For the past four years, he’s been roasting behind the scenes – refining techniques, sourcing great beans and staying true to Ronnie’s original vision.