Feast for a Cause: The Social Enterprise Serving Food by Sydney's Best Chefs
Two Good Co. offer you the chance to do good with the purchase of your morning coffee.
If we ever needed proof that from little things big things grow, it’s the story of Two Good Co. This genius social enterprise began when Founder Rob Caslick and two mates decided to wheel a BBQ up to Kings Cross to cook for those sleeping rough. Scaling from there and realising that social employment was the best way to make a lasting difference, Two Good Co. was formed. Now, many years later, Two Good Co. donate over 700 meals a week and have paid out over 1.7 million dollars in wages to women who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence and complex trauma. Here, we chat to founder Rob Caslick about what else the Two Good Co. team are up to and what's next for the social enterprise.
For anyone not in the know, what exactly does Two Good Co. do?
"Two Good Co. is a social enterprise that exists to change the course of the lives of vulnerable women with lived experience of domestic violence, homelessness and complex trauma. We provide high-quality meals and self-care products to these women through our ‘buy one, give one’ business model - where for every product sold, we donate a similar product to a woman in need. We also provide employment opportunities in our kitchens and cafe through our Work Work program - equipping women with skills, employable qualities, financial support and a sense of control and independence to get back into the workforce. Essentially, we believe in women, to help them believe in themselves again."
What do you think it is about the Two Good Co model that has led to such great success?
"I believe that our success comes from doing things with heart. By creating a business model in which every purchase directly supports vulnerable women, we’ve been able to organically build a strong and loyal customer base who are passionate about making a difference with their dollar. Not only that, we’re committed to ensuring that our products are always of the highest quality. We’re incredibly fortunate to have had support from top chefs like Kylie Kwong, Andrew McConnell, Darren Roberston and Matt Moran, who contribute to our cookbooks and our Chef of the Month program, ensuring our meals are of restaurant quality. We also collaborate with amazing brands like Jac + Jack and In The Round House, ensuring that our homewares products are beautifully crafted and of the highest standard also. It’s that blend of purpose and quality that keeps people coming back, knowing that they can be proud of and confident in their purchase."
Your Chef of the Month Series has been enormously popular. Are there any chefs you’re dying to work with?
"Not really, we're grateful that everyone wants to join us on this mission and get involved. I’m actually keen on consolidating and doing a 'best of' series. Sometimes only having one month to enjoy an incredible toastie is just not long enough!"
What has been your proudest achievement when it comes to Two Good?
"As the founder, one of the things I’m most proud of is watching the team at work and seeing all of the genuine social impact we are creating. Yes, I was the one who delivered those first jars of soup to the Women’s and Girls Emergency Center but I look around now and I’m surrounded by incredible people much more skilled and talented at doing the work than I.
Each year Two Good Co grows and our impact both strengthens and deepens. I’m most proud of the team and their continual refinement of what we do and how we continually do things better. I love our dedication of defining each opportunity with the question - how might we have the greatest social impact."
Are there any ways the public can get involved?
"Absolutely! You can support Two Good in several ways. You can visit our cafe at Yirranma Place in Darlinghurst or our new coffee cart at Victoria Cross. You can also make a purchase from our online store, where you’ll find our cookbooks, self-care products and beautiful homewares. If you’re planning an event, consider our catering services, which you can arrange through our website. And of course, direct donations are always appreciated. Every dollar helps us support, empower and employ women rebuilding their self-worth and independence after facing domestic violence, homelessness and complex trauma. Your support means the world to us and the women we exist to serve."
Have you got any advice for anyone else looking to kick off their own social enterprise?
"Just start small. We are very different to how we began. Originally we were providing organic food to a soup kitchen which was attended by mostly men. There’s the Bezos quote I love that says “be stubborn on the vision and flexible on the details”. My vision was always to have the greatest possible social impact."
What’s next for Two Good Co?
"We’re excited to announce the opening of our Two Good coffee cart at Victoria Cross in North Sydney. It allows us another opportunity to support women, with a percentage of proceeds going directly to our employment pathways programs. The coffee cart will be located on Miller Street near the entrance to the new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station. It will serve coffee supplied by Single O and pastries from Redfern’s Breadfern so you can do good with your morning coffee."
