Salt & Stone opens new chapter

NEW owners have rebranded Fingal Head’s Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe as Salt & Stone, expanding its role in the local community.

Joshua Marshall and Meckenzie Youngblutt took over the business last year.

The couple have kept the café’s beach-shack style, dog-friendly policy, attached gallery space and Saturday night dinner service.

They have also introduced grocery essentials including bread, milk and eggs.

With no supermarket in Fingal Head, the additions have been welcomed by locals.

“Fingal has always been quite limited in food, retail and amenities, so we wanted to create a local hub offering coffee, meals, drinks, entertainment and everyday conveniences,” Marshall said.

“People are really stoked to finally be able to buy those basic items,” staff member Savannah Moroney said.

“The café is definitely heading in the right direction.”

After initially trading under the former name, the owners recently rebranded to reflect the surrounding landscape.

“We felt we needed a new identity,” Marshall said.

“We wanted a name that connects to the land and what this place represents, ‘Salt’ for the beach and the river, and ‘Stone’ for the basalt columns Fingal was founded upon.”

Marshall said the town’s relaxed coastal setting continues to attract visitors.

“In just a few short months we’ve met so many amazing people,” he said.

“We’ve really enjoyed incorporating as many local businesses into our shop as we can.”