TWO men who "desperately wanted a coffee" punched a cafe-owner from behind after they were denied service on Tuesday morning.
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Senior Constable Todd Deason said the owner of The Mill cafe in Edwards Street was opening his shop at 6.30am when he was approached by two men.
The owner told the men he was unable to serve them coffee because the shop was not yet open, and was then hit from behind.
He fell to the ground before the offenders fled the scene.
"He's been clobbered by two men who weren't too happy about not getting a coffee," Senior Constable Deason said.
"It was a totally random act and we had three units flood the CBD to try and find the offenders but they disappeared."
The owner sustained minor injuries.
Senior Constable Deason said the two offenders were about six-foot tall and both in their mid-20s. One man was wearing a dark flannelette shirt and the other was in all black clothing.
"We are asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.
"I also urge all business owners to install CCTV footage to help identify offenders and protect them from future incidents."