The Wholemeal Café

In the heart of downtown Takaka, this iconic building has been part of Takaka’s history for the last century – being a theatre in the days of ‘silent movies’, and has held many stage productions and various events throughout the 1900s. Various other businesses were set up in and around the building over the years: an ice cream and sweet shop, hairdresser, a second hand shop, crystal and gems shop, garden and floristry…. just to name a few. In the 1970s a syndicate set up the Wholemeal Trading Company & the building has had several expansions done over these years. Now Wayne owns the building and business known as the Wholemeal Café – Wayne and the café are legendary in the hospitality scene.

Wayne and daughter Aydee have formed the perfect team running this very successful business. During mid-2019 Wayne and Aydee contracted the services of Frank Byrne Builders to discuss their ideas for expansion. Frank put them in touch with architect Leigh Briars, who sorted the plans and council consent processes and Frank’s Team began on the expansion project mid-2019 - including demolition of some of the older outdoor areas, reinstating new larger decks, new public toilet facilities, new outdoor chiller and dry storage areas including staff area. The most important big extension being to the kitchen where all the action happens throughout the year!! Fortunately, the boys were able to put in some evening hours to have the kitchen up & running without any need for closure during the daytime.

We all love the atmosphere, food, and coffee, Wayne, Aydee and their fabulous staff continue to build on and we know will continue for many years to come. Thank you, Wayne and Aydee & Co. See article in The GB Weekly 24.01.20