Brandon Moore’s quaint café, The Daily Café and Foodstore, located in the modest town of Morwell, has shifted from a serene local hotspot to a bustling hub over the past 10 weeks. Typically, the café serves as a quiet refuge for locals, but this changed dramatically during the sensational trial of Erin Patterson, linked to a high-profile murder case involving “wild” mushrooms that has captivated audiences both in Australia and beyond.
Since the trial’s inception in late April, patrons, including journalists and curious onlookers, have flooded the café in search of a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee while waiting for court proceedings. With its prime location near the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, it quickly became the go-to spot for those attending the trial.
Moore, who has deep roots in Morwell, noted that the café’s popularity soared but maintained a surprisingly understaffed operation, relying instead on the hard-working local community to meet the surge in demand. He fondly recalled the influx of media personalities who initially trickled into the café, which quickly snowballed as word-of-mouth spread about the café’s offerings. “We had a joke and a laugh and we got through it,” he shared, emphasising the camaraderie built with his unexpected clientele.
Recognising the support and friendliness of his patrons, Moore eventually organised a dinner for the media contingent to express gratitude for their patronage during the trial. The relationships formed during this time have been memorable for Moore, who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram after the verdict, commemorating what he described as a “wild chapter” in his café’s history.
As the trial concluded and life in Morwell returned to its usual pace, Moore expressed a sentiment of nostalgia, noting, “I’m probably going to miss it all, it’s quietened down now. It’s now back to good old Morwell.” Despite the café’s transformation from a local spot to a bustling scene of activity, Moore’s dedication to his community and the fond memories forged during this extraordinary time remain etched in his heart.