In the heart of Brisbane, Australia, Eddie has carved a niche in the competitive world of specialty coffee. With an ethos centred on delivering personalized coffee experiences, The Hideout—Eddie’s brainchild—is more than just a coffee shop. It is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of community. Eddie’s journey from battling cancer in his teenage years to establishing The Hideout is extraordinary.
Eddie’s story begins in South Korea, where the societal pressures of academic achievement defined his early life. Studying for long hours with little rest took a toll on his health, culminating in a lymphoma diagnosis at the age of 16. After months of gruelling chemotherapy, Eddie’s mother encouraged him to step out of his rigid environment and explore the world. This pivotal moment led him to Australia in 2007, where his brother worked. Although his first visit was brief, the vibrancy of Brisbane left an indelible impression on Eddie, sparking a dream of building a life there.
Upon returning to Korea, Eddie completed his university studies but couldn’t shake his desire to live in Australia. Determined to make the move permanent, he returned in 2013, transferring his university credits to Queensland University of Technology to pursue a degree in international business. While juggling studies, Eddie gained invaluable experience in hospitality roles, including at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). These experiences ultimately informed Eddie’s approach to entrepreneurialism with the infusion of creativity and business acumen.
Despite his leadership roles in large organizations, Eddie yearned for the creative freedom to execute his vision. The tipping point came during a management crisis at work, where Eddie realized he needed to step away from bureaucracy and chart his course. His deepening passion for coffee led him to the specialty coffee scene, where he learned the intricacies of sourcing, roasting, and brewing. Eddie soon decided to channel his expertise into his venture.
The Hideout was born out of Eddie’s commitment to authentic specialty coffee. Unlike commercial-grade coffee, which often misuses “specialty,” The Hideout adheres to the true definition: beans graded above 80 points by certified Q Graders. Eddie’s meticulous approach ensures every cup tells a story—from the farm where the beans were grown to the customer savouring the final product. “Discover your favourite coffee of all time” is more than a slogan; it’s a mission statement that guides every decision Eddie makes.
After establishing The Hideout’s first location on Adelaide Street, Eddie expanded to Edward Street, a bright and welcoming space designed to showcase the craft of coffee-making. Edward Street reflects his solo vision, unlike the original location, which Eddie co-designed with a business partner. The airy, light-filled shop invites customers to linger, fostering a sense of community central to The Hideout’s ethos.
Eddie’s innovative spirit doesn’t stop at coffee. Recognizing the growing demand for unique experiences, he is pioneering a new concept: coffee cocktails. Eddie plans to offer espresso martinis and other cocktails crafted with different coffee blends, leveraging his expertise in flavour profiling. This venture will allow The Hideout to extend its hours and attract a broader audience, seamlessly blending the worlds of coffee and nightlife.
The Hideout’s future is as ambitious as its founder. Plans are underway to restructure the Adelaide Street location, transforming it into a hub for full dining experiences and educational programs. Eddie envisions hosting coffee tastings and workshops in a dedicated education room, enabling customers to deepen their appreciation for specialty coffee. Additionally, he aims to launch coffee carts for corporate catering, bringing The Hideout’s signature quality to events and offices across Brisbane.
Eddie’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From overcoming the challenges of language and cultural barriers to redefining Brisbane’s coffee culture, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. By focusing on quality, authenticity, and customer engagement, Eddie has created more than a business; he has built a community that celebrates the art and science of coffee.
As The Hideout continues to evolve, Eddie remains grounded in his mission to inspire and delight his customers. With an upcoming tasting event designed to gather honest feedback, Eddie exemplifies a growth mindset that keeps his vision fresh and relevant. Whether through a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, an innovative cocktail, or an immersive workshop, The Hideout invites everyone to discover their favourite coffee of all time.
Eddie’s story reminds us that authenticity and passion are timeless in an industry often driven by trends. The Hideout is not just a place to grab a coffee; it reflects Eddie’s journey—a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of dreams.
