Capital’s high tea pioneer up for sale
AWELLINGTON CAFE is for sale 10 years after it set the benchmark for high teas in the capital. Martha’s Pantry, at 276 Cuba St, is synonymous with club sandwiches, vintage china and pink splendour.
‘‘Although widely recognised for its high tea business, Martha’s also operates six days a week as a morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea venue, serving ‘food the way it used to be’,’’ Benny Wang, of Link Business Broking, says.
The cafe seats 35 people inside and eight outside. It trades from 9am-5pm TuesdayFriday, and from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.
‘‘It’s housed in a sunny, historic, earthquake-strengthened building that includes a common and storage room, and offers car parking for customers in a busy, prominent Cuba Street location,’’ Wang says.
‘‘Since resurrecting the appeal of high teas, Martha’s has become a destination business for locals and tourists alike.
‘‘It has a warm, cosy atmosphere and the excellence of its services, freshly-baked food, Supreme coffee and a large selection of fine teas is reflected in its online reviews and thousands of social media followers.’’
Martha’s Pantry also offers private functions for bridal and baby showers, birthdays and other celebrations, and caters for both corporate and private clients.
‘‘Bespoke cakes is another service it provides,’’ Wang says.
The business uses an online booking service, which is connected to its website, and employs one working owner, two fulltime staff and two part-timers.
The two full-time staff work 30-35 hours a week and the part-timers, 10 -15 hours on weekends.
‘‘This has been a family-run business for over 10 years,’’ Wang says.
‘‘It’s already highly successful, making between $5000 and $6000 a week, but there is potential for new owners to develop the business further.
‘‘For instance, the owner does not do any promotion or marketing. Martha’s became the leading high-tea concept brand by dint of its superb presentation and word of mouth.’’
He says the owner, who’s selling because of personal circumstances, will offer training, if required, for up to a month as part of the hand-over process.
The business has an asking price of $120,000.
For more information, contact Benny Wang on 472 7602, 021 158 5110 or at benny.wang@linkbusiness.co.nz