John Lazarou

Public Relations guru, networking magnate & persistent doer

John Lazarou is well known throughout Brisbane as a public figure with a passion for publicity and public relations. This flair has helped to establish The Coffee Club brand as we know it today. 

While Lazarou's trade is hairdressing, he has worked most of his life in retail hospitality, including some of Brisbane's best known Restaurants. In 1991, Lazarou operated The Coffee Club at Brookside Shopping Centre under a franchise agreement and later that year was invited to become a Director of The Coffee Club Group. 

Lazarou is currently involved in day to day leadership of The Coffee Club as a Director, with a special interest in the marketing of the business. Lazarou provides valuable publicity and public relations work for the Group – a talent that the 'Emmanuel's' openly welcomed into the business. Lazarou is often found moving about the media and entertainment circuit, enjoying the relationships that his friendly and engaging personality has brought him. 

Lazarou's peers have an interesting opinion of their most flamboyant Director: "He drives us insane with his far-fetched and seemingly unachievable ideas. Somehow though, he manages to motivate the masses, get himself involved, and make it happen over and above all initial expectation. Luckily for us, we're in the business of Excellent Coffee, and we've learnt to drink it strong!" 

How do you take your coffee?

I normally have a double short black at home before I leave for work. This is my morning booster and kicks in within minutes! Once I am at work I'll have a flat white made on skim followed by one litre of water. After dinner (at home), I like to sit and enjoy a long black and a cigar! 

Caught out having said:

"Give me one hour of your time and we'll end up being the best of friends." 

What is your favourite meal on The Coffee Club menu? 

The eggs benedict is definitely one of my favourite meals; it’s also one of our most popular breakfast items and I’m sure I know why – the secret is our hollandaise sauce. Its smooth and velvet-cream texture is absolutely delicious and is the perfect accompaniment to the light and fluffy poached eggs. I usually ask for sautéed spinach and mushrooms as an extra and I don’t limit myself to ordering this meal just at breakfast time – I’ll order it at lunch and dinner too! Try it for yourself … you’ll see what I mean!