Dean Hyland from Liquid Things has opened the doors to a third outpost, Llamas to the Sky

The story behind this new venture, named Llamas to the Sky, may seem unusual at first, but it quickly reveals a heartfelt and profound philosophy. It all started with a simple but telling observation about llamas – on their own, they can seem a bit lonely and even a bit surly, but with the company of a friend, they become energised, lively and begin to cultivate a community. This dynamic of transformation through connection struck a deep chord with Dean. Much like the llamas, Dean’s approach to hospitality focuses on fostering community. At his previous ventures, like Liquid Things in Miami and Palm Beach, coffee isn’t just a drink – it’s a medium for connection. Regulars are often introduced to one another, sparking conversations and cultivating a sense of belonging.

Rather than hunting for a space to build Llamas to the Sky, Dean and Bec took a different approach, they put their intention out into the universe, trusting that the right place would come to them. And it did. The beautiful white-brick building in Burleigh Heads, with its history and character, turned out to be the perfect canvas for their vision.

True to Dean’s style, there was no lengthy, expensive fit-out. They simply moved in, shifted a pile of bricks from the corner to create tables and a counter, and opened the doors. It’s this simplicity that defines their approach – creating a space that’s not about flashy decor or an extensive menu but rather one that evolves organically alongside the community it serves. Dean envisions the space as a living, breathing entity, constantly shifting and growing in response to the people who walk through its doors. To add an extra touch of style, Twahn McMahon, the creative force behind The Golden Goods store at Palm Beach, will soon lend her talents to help shape the space further.

At Llamas to the Sky, the coffee is the star, with Laceys Lane, the specialty-blend sibling from Burleigh’s Social Espresso, taking pride of place on the menu. As for the food, the selection is simple-yet-satisfying, with half a dozen thoughtfully curated options including avocado on toast, fresh salads from Dalas Kitchen, a bacon-and-egg roll, a ham-and-cheese toasty, a smoked-chicken toasty and a harissa-pumpkin toasty. For those with a sweet tooth, the cabinet is stocked with treats from Get Baked Cookie Co and Oat Cups.

Looking ahead, Dean and Bec have ambitious plans for the space. The duo will kick things off with a Mexican cooking class hosted by Kristal Smith, formerly of the beloved Clay Cantina in Coolangatta. Future events include breakfast beats in the adjoining carpark and pop-up retail shops, all designed to further enrich the community’s experience.

As Dean reflects on the journey so far, he’s excited about the potential for Llamas to the Sky. “Of all the places I’ve been involved in, this one feels like it will truly elevate the community connection,” he says. In a space that thrives on simplicity, connection and creativity, Llamas to the Sky is poised to become more than just a cafe – it’s set to become a hub where people come together, forge new friendships and find a sense of belonging.

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