Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Orleans and Chris Theodosi.
Hi Jesse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Happyfield was built and created by myself and my business partner, Chris Theodosi. We have both been in the hospitality industry for over 10 plus years each and after working together for a number of years decided to finally open something for ourselves.
The brief was simple, we wanted to create a cafe/diner that would not only become a bit of a destination venue but a go-to spot for the locals as well. Focusing on “Good Food, Good Coffee, and Good Service.” Happyfield has been a dream come true for both of us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road for us as we began building the cafe in the middle of the covid last year 2020 and opened the doors soon after restrictions had eased here in Sydney. But having to deal with this pandemic was a blessing in disguise for us both as we had time to properly plan out the venue and design the cafe ourselves without the help of a designer.
From doing all the demolition to painting the ceiling our iconic yellow to choosing all the color schemes and furniture we tried our best to turn a challenge into something beautiful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Jesse, I am a Chef by trade. Originally born in Toronto Canada, I worked my way up the ranks before making the move to Australia in the fall of 2012. I specialize in North American cuisine with influences from Asia but rooted in European fundamentals. Here at Happyfield, we are most known for our pancakes which truly are very special and unique to the city.
Chris, starting my hospitality career in a prestigious Sydney Event center, my passion for the industry began to take over my life. Starting as a busboy I quickly worked my way up to becoming the general manager of the venue, working every other position in between.
After many years on the job training, I now specialize in business development, marketing, and overall day-to-day operations of a venue.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Jesse, going to my first ever NBA game. The Toronto Raptors were facing my favorite team at the time, the Boston, Celtics.
Chris, watching my nonna cooking her famous lukumades for my family and the smell of our kitchen when they came out of the sizzling oil.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@happyfield.com.au
- Website: www.happyfield.com.au
- Instagram: @Happyfield.Haberfield
- Facebook: Happyfield Haberfield
Image Credits
Alana Dimou
