Our Story

About Us

Every café has a story — ours just happens to start with three siblings, Rob, Maria and Frank Virgato, a love for good food, and a vision for a place that felt like home the second you walked in. Jackson Dodds was never meant to be “just another café.” From day one, Rob and Frank set out to build a spot where great coffee meets real community — the kind of place where your barista knows your order, your kids feel welcome, and you can sit back and enjoy food made with genuine care (and a little flair).

What began as a local Preston brunch spot quickly grew into something bigger. Thanks to a passionate team, a whole lot of early mornings, and a steady playlist of certified bangers, Jackson Dodds has become a weekly ritual for people from Reservoir, Coburg, Thornbury, Northcote, Fairfield and beyond.

Behind every dish is simple food done really, really well — with bold flavours and generous portions.

We’re proud of what we’ve built — the team, the menu, the vibe, and the community.
And it’s the little moments that happen here every day — coffees shared, birthdays celebrated, friendships made over a plate of food — that remind us why we love what we do.

So whether you’re a local or you’ve travelled across a suburb or two, thanks for being part of our story.

And if you haven’t visited yet… we’d love to welcome you into our fun, vibrant café.

The Wall That Started It All

If you’ve ever walked past the corner of Gilbert Road, you’ve seen it —
the giant graffiti wall that’s become the unofficial backdrop of Preston brunch life.

It started as a local street art project, but quickly became something more.
It set the tone for what Jackson Dodds would grow into:

A colourful, creative, community-driven café where everyone feels welcome.

The characters on the wall — bright, loud, and a little goofy — match the energy you’ll find inside:

Good vibes, bold flavours, a few surprises, and absolutely zero pretension.

It’s more than art.
It’s our landmark. Our personality. Our giant “hello” to the neighbourhood.

Gallery

A collection of moments from the café — the team, the food, the faces, and everything that makes Jackson Dodds feel like Preston’s favourite brunch spot.