Jester cafe owners seek slower pace of life
It’s been an amazing adventure, but Jester House Cafe’s owners are ready for a new phase.
The much-loved Tasman cafe has been a summer hub for 29 years. However, come April, owners Judy van den Yssel-Richards and Steve Richards will be taking a step back, reducing opening hours to one evening a week. ‘‘We are being mindful of our own lives – it’s time to slow things down,’’ said Judy.
Over the years, the award-winning cafe has grown in size, employing 19 staff to cater to summer crowds. ‘‘It’s become a much bigger machine than we imagined,’’ Judy said.
‘‘We live in a society that’s all about growth, but we’ve come to realise growth is unsustainable.’’
The couple plan to spend more time with family and friends, work in their garden, and look after the guests who stay in the property’s accommodation.
‘‘We’re so busy making all our customers happy, we don’t have time to spend putting into our own friends and family,’’ she said.
Steve had been active in the McGillicuddy Serious Party, which advocated for a ‘‘great leap backwards’’ of 500 years, Judy said. ‘‘We’re not taking it back 500 years, but we want to take it back 29 years.’’
However, fans would still be able to get their fix. The couple plan to open from 4.30pm each Friday for prebooked meals and drinks. The cafe can also be booked for weddings and other celebrations.
The response from their clientele about their plans had been overwhelmingly supportive, Judy said. ‘‘We’re absolutely blown away by people saying, ‘Good on you’.
‘‘A woman poked her head around the side while I was making coffees and said, ‘Thank you for all the brilliant memories and meals, and well done on getting out before it kills you’.’’
For young visitors, part of the Jester House attraction is feeding the eels that reside in the creek. ‘‘We will feed them occasionally – we have a little stash of food in the freezer,’’ Judy said. ‘‘But they will look after themselves – we’re following their example.’’
‘‘We are being mindful of our own lives.’’
Judy van den Yssel-Richards, co-owner