Mark Da Costa, a pro-Trump cafe owner, is making a comeback in Sydney's inner west with a new cafe called Bueno. But this isn't his first rodeo.
Back in 2020, he shut down his previous cafe, Hale and Hearty, after a series of online controversies sparked outrage in the community.
What Happened Back Then?
Da Costa made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he used homophobic slurs and declared his cafe a "Donald Trump safe zone" that served pancakes with a "side of racism".
The community was understandably upset, and the cafe eventually closed its doors.
At the time, Da Costa blamed the "left-wing fake vegan community" for the closure and told his critics to "go f**k yourself".
A Change of Heart?
Fast forward to today, and Da Costa claims he's matured and grown from the experience. He's apologized for his past behavior and is seeking forgiveness from the community.
"Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die," he said. "Forgiveness is a powerful tool bestowed only to those willing to fully live life to the fullest."
What to Expect from Bueno
The new cafe, which opens on March 19, promises to be a "seed oil-free and whole foods comfort food destination".
Da Costa says he's focused on serving delicious food and employing talented individuals, rather than pushing a political agenda. But will the community give him a second chance?
The Verdict is Still Out
News of the new cafe has already sparked a lively discussion online, with some people questioning whether Da Costa has truly changed.
"Surely this is a wind-up," one commenter wrote on the Newtown community page. "Newtown of all places." It remains to be seen whether Bueno will succeed where Hale and Hearty failed.
Key Points:
- Mark Da Costa is opening a new cafe called Bueno in Sydney's inner west
- His previous cafe, Hale and Hearty, closed in 2020 after a series of online controversies
- Da Costa has apologized for his past behavior and is seeking forgiveness from the community
- Bueno promises to be a "seed oil-free and whole foods comfort food destination"
- The community is still undecided about giving Da Costa a second chance
