Head Honcho

The Verdict

Head Honcho is backed by a team of ambitious hospitality young guns James ‘Chooka’ Pettenon and Fintan Redmon. These guys are putting the humble toasted sandwich front and centre, with the gooey three-cheese ‘Greenhorn’ toastie taking centre stage—we’re talking Swiss Gruyere, Mozzarella and Cheddar oozing out the sides.

If you’re wanting a sandwich-size feast, then get your hands on the Tex-Mex inspired ‘Vaquero’ toastie. This bad boy is filled with black beans, spiced corn, avo, smoked scamorza and jalapenos. They’ve also got options for all the dietries, with gluten-free breads and vegan cheeses galore. The cafe does simple food, but they do it damn well. And as for coffee, their no-fuss motto is ‘good coffee, made right’. As it should be. 

Pettenon and Redmon are inspired by a Wild West outlaw attitude, and they’re on a mission to breathe fresh air into Melbourne’s cafe scene. With a focus on cultivating a sustainable and ethical supply chain, the duo pride themselves on creating genuine connections with their suppliers and customers—they’ve already got a loyal morning crowd who don’t even need to tell the boys their order. 

You’ll see their passion for cowboy culture all around the space, from western-themed prints and quirky decor, to their upcycled mirrors and custom-made wooden bench stretching the length of the venue. Open 7am to 3pm daily, saddle up and head down to Head Honcho for a classic toastie and coffee combo. 

Image credit: Head Honcho