BEHIND THE BIZ // RÜH
Love in every sip and bite
When Sandeep and Geet touched down in the Illawarra to study at uni all those years ago, they had no idea they’d end up as business owners of three awesome local cafés.
But we’re so glad that’s where their journey took them because anyone who’s paid a visit to one of RÜH’s locations [Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, and Bulli] knows the coffee is top-notch, the food is deeeeelish, and the vibe is most welcoming.
We recently chatted with this awesome couple, who have been and are still working hard to provide such a great space for locals.
We were blown away by Sandeep’s incredible work ethic and Geet’s ongoing support for everything they do.
Check out our chat below.
1 // So, how did you both end up in the Illawarra?
Sandeep: We moved here in 2016 as uni students. While studying, I got a job in hospitality since I already had experience from when we lived in Malaysia. My first job was actually in Darling Harbour, so I’d catch two trains and a light rail from Fairy Meadow just for a shift. It was a lot!
2 // When did you realise you wanted to open your own café?
Sandeep: I finished uni in 2020, and for the longest time, I thought I’d do the classic move to Sydney and get a 9-5 office job. But that same year, my dad passed away, and something just clicked. I realised I wanted to stay in the Illawarra. It’s such a wonderful place.
I was still working in a café at the time when I realised this is what I actually love doing. Before I knew it, I was talking to leasing agents about business spaces without even planning to. It was like my subconscious was leading me to it.
3 // Is that how RÜH’s first location came about?
Sandeep: We looked at a few locations, including a spot on Church Street in Wollongong, but a leasing agent mentioned a space inside the shopping centre that would be available in six to eight months. It felt like the right fit.
Then COVID happened, and we weren’t sure if it was the right time to go ahead. But at some point, we just thought, why not? Looking back, it was a big move, but I’m so glad we went for it.
Geet: We started with just three staff.
Sandeep: Having a small team meant we could get ahead and learn a lot. But from there, the team grew pretty quickly.
4 // How did the Fairy Meadow location come about?
Sandeep: It actually wasn’t something we had planned. I was just browsing a real estate website and saw a business for sale.
Geet: That’s Sandeep, always looking to grow and learn.
Sandeep: I met the agent, Martin, and we became friends. Then I met the business owner, checked the numbers, and the next thing I knew, I was making an offer!
5 // And what about Bulli?
Sandeep: That was a bit of a whirlwind too! We were in Malaysia getting married when a supplier sent me info about a North Wollongong café. We got back to the Illawarra on a Friday at 5 AM, I was back at work by 7:30 AM, and I met with the owners the next day. But it wasn’t the right fit.
Then, by coincidence, a local business that provides our cleaning services called. They’d heard we were looking for another location and put us in touch with the owners of Stokes Lane in Bulli. We knew them already because they also use Campos Coffee, and over the years, we’d been in communication.
We met, and that same day, we decided to go ahead with it. It sounds risky, but my heart was telling me it would work out, and well, it has.
6 // Wow, things have really taken off for you! What do you think has made it all work so successfully?
Sandeep: My experience working in hospitality before opening RÜH gave us a real advantage. I learned so much from different owners, staff, and chefs.
But most importantly, you have to know what you’re doing. You have to back yourself. Owning a business isn’t just about making good food and coffee, although that’s something we’re really proud of.
You need to understand everything, from price points and wages down to how the receipt printer works. Once you have that knowledge, you can take chances.
Geet: It also helps to have a great team.
Sandeep: Absolutely. We have staff who’ve been with us for years, which is rare in hospitality. Some started in high school and are now at uni. Some have gone travelling and come back to work with us again.
7 // You’re also expecting a baby soon, how are you feeling?
Sandeep: Managing 25 staff members with different needs is probably good practice for parenthood!
Geet: Definitely a great way to prepare!
Sandeep: It’s a big new chapter, but I feel like my dad is still guiding me. When I look back at old messages from him, he was always encouraging me and even suggesting I open my own business one day. Now, with a baby on the way, it feels like he’s still talking to me.
8 // You’ve got a lot going on with the cafés AND a baby on the way. How do you manage it all?
Geet: He never takes a day off!
Sandeep: Geet jokes that the only days I take off are New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. And this year, we almost opened on Christmas Day!
Geet: You really do have to be the hardest worker in your business.
Sandeep: But we’ve been lucky with such fantastic staff, which makes a huge difference.
11 // And why the name RÜH?
Sandeep: RÜH means soul in Urdu, Hindi, Turkish, and Arabic, and that is exactly what we wanted this café to be. Something with heart. But for me, it is also deeply personal. My dad always encouraged me to be my own boss, even when I did not believe in myself. When he passed away, it was a huge reminder to follow the dream he saw for me.
Geet: That is why RÜH is more than just a café. It is about creating a space where people connect, whether they are here for coffee, a meal, or just a moment to unwind.
Sandeep: Every new location, every customer, and every staff member all feel like part of something bigger. My dad believed in me, and now I get to build something that brings people together.
12 // So beautiful, and what do you love about being part of the Illawarra community?
Sandeep: So much. Every time we go away, it’s always a bit of a letdown because nowhere is as beautiful as the Illawarra.
Geet: We live in Wollongong, and with the baby coming, we don’t see ourselves moving anytime soon. It’s a great spot, so close to the café and the beach.
Sandeep: There’s nothing like sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea, just taking in the view. The ocean is so calming.
Geet: We’re early risers, so we love starting the day with a quiet moment to appreciate how amazing this place is.
Sandeep: And getting to know the locals is amazing. I love the relationships we’ve built.
Geet: It’s funny to think that almost nine years ago, we moved here not knowing anyone, and now we have this incredible community around us.
13 // When you get a chance to go out, where do you like to go?
Geet: Recently we did a pottery class at Clay and then had dinner at Centro. It was such a nice night.
Sandeep: We love Kneading Ruby and The Frat for pizza. And a cheeky lunch at Kinn Thai or Hong Kong Chef.
14 // What’s next for RÜH?
Sandeep: Well, right now we’re loving being in Bulli, and it’s been amazing getting to know the community.
Geet: It feels like making new friends every day!
Sandeep: But looking ahead, we’d love to open another location one day, hopefully by the beach. That’d be incredible.
Thanks, Sandeep and Geet for sharing with us today.
Next time you’re in Wollongong, Fairy Meadow or Bulli, swing by to say hi and grab a fabulous cup of coffee + a tasty bite.
You can peep their menus and learn more about each location at their website here.
We love supporting local businesses especially when they’re as wonderful as RÜH.
