About Us
Read a little then read a lot, it will all become clear!Our Story begins in the back of a pizza bar, hundreds of kilometres from where we are today…
Carlotta’s guardian Chamsy agreed to meet The Boss on neutral grounds. This was safest. The Boss had conveniently disappeared for 18 months previously, having been a prime suspect in the murder of three local bikies. Much had changed in the volatile fast food market. Business was slow. Everyone was fighting to survive. His sudden brazen return to franchise operations was not anticipated or appreciated. Chamsy could feel a change coming…
Negotiations would have to be made involving a split from the mob owned venture of Carlotta’s innocent birth. Spawned from the odium of dishonesty, Carlotta began her life in the jungle that represents businesses devoted to money and greed, unhealthy food and sterile relationships. During The Boss’s sabbatical, Chamsy had realised that continuance with him and his cloud of gibbering cronies was soul destroying.
Carlotta and Chamsy left the rotting franchise in the pursuit of freedom one January evening, many many years ago. A meeting with The Boss resulted in a signing of a document which meant immediate vindication from any business dealings. Little did the fraudulent man realise, he had just been partially duped by a teenager in a bright green cactus suit. His poor grasp of English and haste to end the meeting bought the duo enough time to flee. But, hot on their heels were these crooks embittered by the clever escape masterminded by the two.
Carlotta and Chamsy sought separate paths as their only means to divert the dangerous crew. Carlotta took to the secure shelters of a safe home. She battled cold winters and blistering summers while she searched for answers. Yearning for her guardian Chamsy to find her again, she spent many nights alone but vigilant in her dedication to survive and re-unite with her champion.
Chamsy was less fortunate. Forced to sell all in a bid to regain her soul and add speed to her flight, she chose a life devoted to knowledge and research, the School of Hard Knocks. And not a day before being ready, did Chamsy beat the path back to her companion Carlotta, so that together they might realise their dream and achieve their sworn oath: Carlotta the Cactus was born of bamboo and tissue in an environment based on a desire to succeed the chambers of a corrupt food franchise. From the moment her personality surpassed her invention, it was decreed that her life be dedicated to the foundation of a socially responsible, environmentally committed business model.
Carlotta Cactus
Her bright green flesh represents the colour of growth and beginning, a quest to prove that business based on humanity, relationships, integrity and good health, can be profitable, enjoyable and lead the way to a rewarding lifestyle that is fulfilling and inspiring.
A commitment was bequeathed between two companions. They knew one day they would re-unite to croon their song, and bring meaning to their expeditions.
C Word commenced operations in ardour to the beliefs and lifestyles of those driven by health, society and environment. What better values to build a business around? And that is exactly what the co-founders have done.
Sitting around in an Australian outback pub, (the kind built on stilts), gathered 3 initiators of what was about to be the delivery room of ideas ensuring it would be Queensland’s quirkiest new franchise. The Chief investor’s dad mentioned a bagel he had once devoured in his days of corporate endeavour. He talked about the texture and the flavour, the freshness and ease. The seed had been planted yet not quite realised. Later Chamsy couldn’t sleep. Over and over the words ‘bagel’ and ‘flavour’ would not leave her mind. Premium quality, freshness, flavour, speed and integrity – how could this be achieved with a product never properly tested in Brisbane?
2am arrived, as did the name ‘Bagel Babes Pty Ltd’. The ethics, inspiration and uncompromised beliefs gathered from years on the road, now had to be woven into the company fabric:-
• If it can be recycled – IT IS
• Electricity 37% hydro. 20% natural gas
• Lighting 80% fluoro, 20% halogen
• Dish water recycled to wash floors, water garden
• Coffee, vegetable scraps for composting
• Unsold bagels frozen then donated to Mission Australia Café One
• Local community support – Nundah Community Centre backup support program for disabled workers
• Devoted athletes and therefore advocates of good health, and quality healthy premium consumables
• Listeners not ‘tellers’, we want your feedback
• Consistently delivering a value added product that is the freshest in Brisbane
• Encouraging alliances with like minded companies, consultants and citizens
• Walk or cycle to work or get public transport supported by staff
• Application for ‘Green Table’pending – Australia’s new quality assurance standard for environmentally conscious business operators
The Name
Fortunately the 2 co-founders shared a similar liking. Chamsy was obsessed with cycling and coffee. Another creative soul offered the name ‘C Word’. Obvious and relevant, the name was agreed upon.
Future
Look to the future with us, because the Chief risk taker in this operation is a generous soul whom encompasses a dedicated commitment to recycle bicycles for those unable to purchase their own. She also organises a women’s bike ride (SilveRidero's) monthly encouraging health and fitness in a safe and social environment.
Contact cycling@cword.com.au for more information
Today
From modest backgrounds, and conservative lifestyles, you will meet a crew of complimentary people poised to serve and impress in our relaxed cafe. Our Chief is usually around to offer advice about the menu, talk about cycling, and rave about the coffee. You won’t find a more passionate person when it comes to belief about her product!
We guarantee you premium grade Campos coffee, a fresh baked healthy meal and value for money when you eat in, take away or try catering, this is backed up with our commitment to the environment and society.
www.cword.com.au and you may find you “Can’t get Enough.” Also at shop 3, 1192 Sandgate rd in Nundah Village.
As well as being great bagel bakers…
Our commitment and concern for the environment and community drives us to be responsible business owners. Embedded into C Word’s company culture is the pledge to “give back” to those less fortunate, and our planet.
Through building careful alliances with like minded businesses, we believe our healthy company philosophy reflects a responsible view for a modern lifestyle. Our portfolio is dedicated towards the following: Recycling cardboard and paper, plastic, metal and glass, and composting organic waste (ask us for FREE coffee grounds - great for compost, or make your own worm farm! See below for more information); use of fluorescent (80%) and halogen (20%) lighting only; supporting cycling groups who raise awareness about fitness (we are 
girls crazy about health and fitness) (Silveridero’s Womens Cycling) and raise money for charities (Y.O.T.S.); our 2 major suppliers have schemes in place that share our vision (Connections Catering and PFD & with their rewards program and waste management scheme); use clean greener electricity offsets through AGL's 37% hydro program.
We have set the business up to minimalise waste as best we can. Currently we are able to donate unsold bagels (at the end of the day) to Mission Australia’s Café One in Fortitude Valley. “The Café (Cafe One) is an example of social enterprise in action – the income derived from the sale of meals and drinks at the Cafe is used to fund the individual support services that run alongside the Café’s operations, to assist clients who may be experiencing homelessness or financial crisis.”
If you want to know more about any of the above, please ask Steph or Kate.