Brewing Community Spirit in Warragamba
Meet Danny, the passionate owner and friendly face behind Dam Break Café in Warragamba.
With quality coffee, hearty breakfasts, sweet treats, authentic Asian cuisine, and genuine hospitality, Danny has become a much-loved part of the local community.
Read on to discover his journey as a small business owner, his dedication to creating an inviting space, and his vision for bringing people together through food and connection.
Let's start with a little bit about you
I’m originally from the south of Vietnam. After graduating from a local university with a major in Banking and Finance, I made the decision to pursue further study in Australia choosing Perth, WA, to complete a qualification in Tax and Accounting.
Since arriving in Australia I’ve focused on developing my skills to build a successful career in customer service. Alongside my studies and work, I’ve embraced the Aussie lifestyle by living in local communities, taking road trips through the countryside, and working in a range of different environments.
I’m constantly amazed by Australia’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, and over time, I’ve come to think of this country as my second home. That feeling was officially recognised when I became an Australian citizen in October 2024.
In addition to working in the accountancy industry, I’ve also worked in local cafes, restaurants, and pubs since my university days. I believe I was raised with a strong sense of hospitality, and I see its value in everyday life. While earning extra income was a bonus, working in hospitality gave me the opportunity to learn more about Australian culture and connect with the local community. I enjoy seeing people relax with a good cup of coffee or sharing their daily stories with me; it makes me feel connected and that I play a role in the community.
What did you want to be when you were young?
Interestingly, when I was in high school, I wanted to become a horticultural technician. Watching local farmers dedicate so much time and effort throughout the seasons and seeing how environmental changes affected their farms inspired me. I hoped to support them by helping develop plants that were more efficient and better adapted to a changing climate.
What was your first job?
My first job was a waiter at the Opera Bar in Sydney. I worked there for 7 months before moving to Perth, WA.
Tell us a bit about Dam Break Café
I first saw Dam Break Café during a short holiday. From the moment I saw it, I recognised its potential; the strong community connections, the scale of the business, and its prime location. I took over the café in November 2023.
Dam Break Café is more than just a place to grab a great coffee, a quality breakfast, or an affordable Asian meal. It’s a space where mateship matters. It’s a welcoming, community-driven café where everyone looks out for one another. Through our food and drinks, customers can also experience a blend of cultures and lifestyles, particularly those of Western Australia, Vietnam (my home country), and other parts of Asia I’ve visited.
I love running this café and making people happy. It allows me to apply everything I’ve learned and experienced over the years. Hospitality is something I’ve always been passionate about, and now I get to make a living doing what I love and do well.
I also see myself as a countryside kind of person, and the lifestyle in Warragamba really suits me. I appreciate the way people care for each other here and enjoy seeing the town grow each day. On top of that, I enjoy working alongside my team; they’re casual, down-to-earth, supportive, and share the same passion for what we do.
What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
I’ve had a few proud moments, but one of the biggest achievements has been the growth and positive impact of the café since taking over.
We’ve created more local job opportunities, including school-based traineeships, with staffing levels increasing by 60% compared to when the café was under previous ownership. Weekly sales have grown by nearly 200%, and we’ve seen a significant increase in customer numbers.
I’m also proud of the café’s growing role in the community. We actively support local groups such as the Men’s Shed, the Neighbourhood Centre, and the Walk It Off groups for both men and women. Being part of something that not only contributes economically but also brings people together is incredibly rewarding.
What inspired you to open your own business?
I’ve always had a passion for the hospitality industry, it’s where I can apply both my professional skills and personal experiences in a meaningful way. I also enjoy sharing the cultural and traditional values from my home country with the local community I now call home.
What truly inspired me was the idea of setting an example for other young people who want to step outside their comfort zone and pursue something they’re passionate about, even if it comes with challenges. I hope my journey shows that it’s possible to turn passion into purpose.
Who has been a great influence on you or the business?
Several people have had a strong influence on me, but first and foremost, it’s my family. Their hard work, hospitality, and willingness to face challenges have shaped who I am and how I approach my business. These values were instilled in me from a young age and continue to guide me every day.
I’ve also been deeply influenced by the local community in Western Australia, where I spent over 10 years. It was there that I truly experienced the Australian lifestyle and embraced the country’s diversity. The people, culture, and sense of community in WA have left a lasting impact on both my personal growth and the way I run my business today.
What do you think makes Dam Break Café successful?
My vision is to bring cultural values and diversity to the local community where I live. I focus on customer satisfaction, employment satisfaction and sustainable profitability. To achieve these goals, I follow a strategy that combines quality with affordability, offering delicious food and drinks with an Asian fusion twist, exceptional service, and reasonable prices.
Another key to our success is the atmosphere we’ve created. As many of our customers say, it’s not just about the coffee or the food, it’s the experience. Whether it’s a friendly chat or a familiar face behind the counter, we’ve built a café where people truly feel at home.
Why did you choose Wollondilly as the place to open your business?
Firstly, it was about the location. Warragamba is close to Sydney and Penrith, yet it still maintains a strong village atmosphere — where people know each other and stop to say hello. I really value that sense of community. Secondly, there’s great potential for growth, especially with the development of the Western Sydney Airport. It presents exciting opportunities to expand and evolve the business in the years to come.
What do you love most about the Wollondilly community?
I love the natural landscape of Wollondilly. But what stands out most is the people. The community here is incredibly friendly and supportive; they’ve welcomed me as one of their own, like a friend or family member.
What is a must-try speciality from Dam Break Café, and why?
People should try our coffee as it is always made with our love and passion. Our other best sellers are Vietnamese Pork rolls, homemade spring rolls and Noodle bowls. Those with a sweet tooth enjoy our banana bread.
Other than your own business, which Dilly business is your favourite?
I try to support as many local businesses as I can. I shop at Chambo Bakery, where we source our fresh bread rolls. I also visit local grocery stores like Nick’s Deli and Dave’s Fruit and Veggie store. Whenever we need repairs or maintenance, I make sure to work with local tradies to support the community wherever possible.
Do you have any new plans for your business you would like to share?
As part of my five-year plan, I’d love to introduce a dedicated baking section in the café, offering more freshly baked products to the local community. I’m also planning to extend our trading hours in the future so we can open for dinner on selected evenings.
