One of the city's favourite cafes has been sold, but customers will still be able to order their beloved chilli eggs.

Former Caffiend owner Oliver James told TropicNow he sold the cafe to focus on growing businesses he co-owns with Ian Chill including Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters and Cairns Coffee School.

He will also refocus on his passion for national and international coffee competitions, saying he will throw himself into training for the National Cupping Championship being held in Melbourne in May.

Since its opening back in 2009 in the famous laneway locale off Grafton St in 2009, Caffiend has been at the vanguard of the city's burgeoning coffee scene. 

"I'm very excited that Caffiend will begin another new evolution under the helm of Fern Campbell, who has been a regular of Caffiend since the early laneway days," Oliver said.

"Fern calls Caffiend her 'second home', and I believe Fern has the drive and passion to continue evolving Caffiend as a Cairns foodie institution. I'm excited by her ideas for the venue, including cooking classes.

"Selling Caffiend enables me to focus on Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters and Cairns Coffee School. I’m excited to work more on quality, support and training for existing and new wholesale customers, including Caffiend of course. Fun times ahead!"