Coffee drive-through business Fast Lane on Hammond Avenue is only 18 months old but already franchisee Tracey Coleman is on track to open a second outlet on the corner of Chaston Street and Mortimer Place. 

“I think people really like coffee in the morning..and I think they want a few more alternatives in town to get their morning coffee,” Fast Lane owner Tracy Coleman said.

Customer demand has seen the business offering coffees made in around 30 seconds from 5.30am, as small business tap into Wagga’s early morning trade, which was once the sole domain of business goliath McDonald’s.

“We get the tradies, the travellers, mums and dads; and they’re coming back because it’s convenient and they like the quality,” Ms Coleman said.

Cafe’s too, are getting on board the convenience bandwagon.

Corner Table cafe at Kooringal Mall expanded with a purpose-built coffee window six months ago.

“It’s really taken off as people want the convenience to pick up their coffee and go,” Corner Table owner Alex Aldarna said.

At Lake Albert, customer convenience has created a domino effect for business opening hours.

Mock Orange cafe opens at 6am to catch the Snap Fitness Gym traffic, which, in turn has seen Foodworks also opening their doors from 6am.

“Lake Albert and this Mall really needed a coffee shop and nearly every tenant has told me that it’s really benefitted their trade which is fabulous,” Mock Orange CEO Roslyn Mitchell said.

The increased takeaway trade will see Mock Orange expand its Lake Albert business in the New Year.

“We are expanding with a hole-in-the-wall coffee service and offer a lot more takeaway to maximise that convenience element,” Ms Mitchell said.

Business response to customer demand is paying off for Wagga, which is quickly garnering a reputation as a regional coffee hub that boasts access to quality coffee outlets across the city.

“We’ve got a real coffee culture happening here, for sure,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Now there’s great coffee all over Wagga so it’s great,” Ms Coleman said.