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Already “world famous in Orewa”, a second Emi Deli Café has now opened in Whangaparaoa.
Jonathan Ma bought his first café, Emi Deli in Orewa, more than nine years ago. At the time, it was a big step to take after 10 years as Mr Whippy. In fact Jonathan was the biggest Mr Whippy operator in Auckland, owning a total of 10 trucks.
He says he bought the café because he liked the environment. “I didn’t know anything about the business and learned everything from hands-on experience,” he says. “The priorities were very clear – always look after your customers and hire good staff.”
Hard work, and a focus on his motto of Great Food, Great Coffee, Great Service, paid off with Emi Deli Orewa earning a fine reputation for keeping its many regulars happy.
Jonathan says quality was always key, starting with fresh produce, free range eggs and great ingredients. Everything is made fresh on the premises, right down to the homemade Hollaindaise. “That attention to detail pays off in the taste,” Jonathan says.
Emi Deli likes to keep prices affordable, but not at the expense of quality. “When it comes to food, you get what you pay for.”
“We know we’re getting it right when we see the smiles on people’s faces. They come back for things like our pumpkin date and ginger muffins, scones, pies and quiches.”
As well as a cabinet selection, the café has breakfast and lunch menus and offers a catering service. It is open seven days a week. In charge in the kitchen is chef Brett Allen, former head chef at Altura Café in Auckland.
Jonathan says it made sense to open a second café in Whangaparaoa to attract new customers, as well as give his regulars who come from the peninsula a close-to-home option.
Putting together the café at the top of the Plaza (next to Eddie Law 100%) has blown the budget and been more of a challenge than Jonathan had anticipated, but he is sure it is worth it.
“We’ve made a modern comfortable place to come and enjoy food and coffee and we’re happy with it and excited to bring our service to Whangaparaoa.”
