Gil de Leon from Rooty Hill-based “Jas My Waffles” is preparing to compete against the best baristas in the nation at the prestigious Danes Grand Barista Championship at the end of the month and believes he could win.

Gil and his wife Jas own the local waffle and coffee shop and the last time he competed he came 8th outright,

“In our waffle shop we only serve Danes Gourmet Coffee. We believe it is the best blend you can get. Every day I’m making a variety of coffee drinks for our customers and because I want to win I am now making more every day. I’m really pushing myself. We’re asking our customers to come in and order coffee so I can perfect my skills because I believe I can win this time.”

The Championship is the brainchild of Australian coffee innovator Paul Jackson, the CEO of Danes Gourmet Coffee, and it has been running since 2001. It will be held over 3 days (May 30 – June 1) at the the exclusive Danes Gourmet Coffee Institute in Sydney which was created by Paul 11 years ago.

“Paul has created a very competitive atmosphere in the coffee industry. Winning the Danes Grand Barista Championship gives you a lot of prestige and of course you get to fly to Thailand to compete against the best baristas from Australia, New Zealand and Asia. I would love to be the next Australasian Grand Barista Champion”, adds Gil.

“It would mean so much for our business too because we are in the process of attracting franchisees and expanding Jas My Waffles all over Sydney, so to win and become Australia’s top barista would definitely help to put us out there.”