WHAT could possibly be harder than taking over a busy alpine café in the lead-up to winter?
Doing it with a baby due in August!
For Brent and Bec Hartnell, becoming first-time business owners and first-time parents in the same year isn’t just a challenge, it’s a full-blown double black diamond.
But if there’s one thing this Hotham-based duo knows well, it’s how to roll with the season.
The couple are the proud new owners of well-known Hotham establishment, Chill Bar and Café in Hotham Central, though their connection to the venue goes back years.
Brent first worked there in 2012, when he was juggling shifts between Hot Doggies and the local supermarket.
Bec arrived on the scene during the now-legendary “Blizzards of Oz” season in 2017, starting as head barista.
The pair met the year before in Bright, introduced by mutual friends.
“We both kept coming back to Hotham each winter,” Brent says.
“Our relationship just grew alongside our love for the place.”
The following years saw the duo managing Chill which gave them the confidence to step up when the previous owners offered to sell.
“Running a mountain business has its own set of challenges....there’s blizzards, dodgy internet, road closures, stock delays. You name it, we’ve dealt with it,” Brent explains. “We knew what we were walking into, and we were ready to give it a shot.”
Still, the timing came with its own complications.
“There was definitely a pit in the stomach when it all became official knowing we had a baby on the way and our first time owning a business,” Brent admits.
“But the support from the community and our mates up here has made us feel excited and ready.”
While it’s still early days in their first season as owners, Brent and Bec are settling into the rhythm quickly.
“Payroll; make sure every digit is right,” Brent laughs.
“That was lesson one.”
But beyond the admin, their focus is on atmosphere.
“We’ve always believed Chill should feel welcoming,” he adds.
“A warm, friendly space with good people and good energy.
'We’ve hired our staff with that in mind, and we’ve got a great team around us.”
Now based in Omeo, Brent and Bec have found the perfect base for mountain life, business and family.
“We’re close to everything we love...fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and of course, snowboarding at Hotham,” Brent says.
“It’s got that supportive small-town feel, and the mountain’s just up the road, so we get the best of both worlds.”
As for balancing bottles and bar shifts?
“Organisation is key,” says Bec.
“We’ve got an amazing team and great friends ready to step in when the baby arrives.
"I’ll probably still be making coffees with bub in tow.
"It’ll be hard to keep me away. I love it.”
They’ve got big plans for Chill Bar too.
“After 15 years of looking at it, the bar’s getting a remodel over summer,” Brent says.
“And the biggest change this winter? I got my favourite beer, VB, on tap,” he laughs.
When asked if they’ve got any regrets, Brent jokes.
“Ask me again at the end of the season.”
In the meantime, you’ll find him unwinding with a VB, while Bec’s swapped her usual gin and tonic for a chocolate milkshake.
Their menu picks this season?
“The veggie focaccia with curried zucchini pakora, or the lamb souva,” says Brent.
“But Bec swears by the eggs benny roll for breakfast.”
With a baby on the way, a business in full swing, and a strong community around them, Brent and Bec are ready to be part of the fabric of Hotham for many winters to come.
