Instead of opening a cafe, she has set up cooking-class business Art of Cuisine.
The former postie dreamt up the idea when her husband bought a Green Island commercial building to house his building showroom.
''We had to put a kitchen in so we thought how could we make it work for us.''
They designed a kitchen with a long kitchen bench, big enough for about 20 people to sit around and watch a chef work.
Mrs Robinson has about 10 chefs who regularly come in and demonstrate their food and techniques at classes held twice a week in the evenings.
Sessions in July cover everything from how to fillet fish to chocolate 101.
''People see it as a night out, entertainment.''
It also allows her to showcase her baking skills as she provides coffee and cake after each session.
''I've always had an interest in cooking and baking.
''I've done it all my life.''
The idea was to provide a relaxed, ''homely'' setting for people to enjoy the experience as well as having the opportunity to ask questions and talk to the chef.
''It's about the food. It's quite interactive and fun.''
Her daughter Kelsey Robinson has joined the team, and they were looking at running children's cooking classes during the next school holidays as well as more targeted classes such as barbecue for the blokes.
Floristry and herb growing could come next, she said.
''It started off slowly but now we've got people coming in private groups, we've got a hens' party booked and a birthday.''
