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With mini-Polaroid photos, colourful funky furniture and home baked food, Amy’s Café, which opened last month in Orewa is a breath of fresh air.
Owner Amy Ellis says freshening up and modernising her premises in Moana Ave (next to His Place) was satisfying.
“It’s what young people, in particular, are looking for – there are a few businesses that have opened recently that are creating a more current feel in Orewa that’s exciting to see,” Amy says. “We’re definitely part of that and it’s bringing in a whole new group of customers.”
Amy and her assistant Kelsey Porter bake everything that they sell on site, starting before dawn most mornings. The selection includes gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free options alongside more traditional sweet and savoury treats.
Toasted sandwiches are extremely popular and they’re also becoming known for a gluten free brownie that’s so good many people don’t even realise its gluten free.
The coffee is Altura’s organic fair trade blend and there are some delicious T2 teas.
It’s the first café that Amy has ever owned. She is mother to three young boys and a former Real Estate agent who had dreamed of having her own café.
She says being a stay at home mum for 10 years honed her baking and cooking skills.
“I discovered that feeding people is my thing,” she says. “It’s my way of giving back and it feels like my purpose in life.”
When Amy opened her café early in November, she started by getting to know the regulars who came to the Corner Café that was there before, recognising them at first by what kind of coffee or tea they drink, or their favourite food.
Couples with young children and students are among the more recent customers attracted by the new, funky look and feel of the café, many finding it online via Facebook or Instagram.
The café is well placed to enjoy the various events and summer attractions that make Orewa hum.
Supporting the local economy is something Amy feels strongly about. Wherever possible, she is obtaining her supplies locally – this includes passing her scraps and coffee grounds onto a local farmer who supplies her with free-range eggs. Amy’s Café will soon stock Dad’s Pies and there are also plans to work closely with neighbouring businesses such as His Place to offer combined ‘haircut and coffee’ deals.
