Dreams filled in CHB
Last February, former Napier couple Phil and Cass Marker made the move to CHB to achieve their long-held dream of home ownership when they bought a four-bedroom, 1914-built villa on Porangahau Rd in Waipukurau.
Now, 18 months later, the couple have fulfilled another dream in CHB — this time becoming small business owners, after opening The Rookery Coffee House next door to the Tavistock Hotel on Ruataniwha St on Monday.
“The Rookery Coffee House came about after years of talking about the concept, but never feeling like we were at the right stage or place in our lives to get into it. We have always wanted to live in a community town and after moving here 18 months ago from Napier, we genuinely feel like this is home,” said Phil.
That led Phil to packing in his job at a major department store in Napier to open the small takeaway coffee house — distinct from a cafe´ as it does not serve cooked meals.
“The idea of The Rookery . . . is to cater for our increasingly busy, non-stop lifestyles by offering great take-away coffee, tea, cold drinks and a moreish bite. However, there is a small space to sit down and unwind while watching the day pass by from the front window, if that's more you're style,” said Phil.
The couple say the business will also deliver on some of their “personal ideals” — like supporting local suppliers wherever possible, promoting sustainable environmental practices and offering great service.
“While not all of our suppliers tick every box, they certainly have one or more positive attributes going for them. First Hand Coffee is roasted here in Hawke's Bay at Clive by Al Borrie; all of our packaging by Innocent Packaging is compostable after 12 weeks, we offer gluten free and other yummy pastries by Harald's, vegan cookies, and a great selection of cold beverages that are sweet to taste and good for the soul.”
Phil explained the name came from the couple's love of the bird, even though it is considered a pest, and the images they conjured from movies and books.
“There is a `rookery' behind our house and in mating season between September and midOctober all you can see and hear are these great birds, circling the skies en masse.”
Though new to small business ownership, Phil said he had plenty of experience making coffees.
“I have a barista background helping my sister start up and run Protocol Cafe´ in Whanganui and then working at Vincent's Yellow House Cafe´ — same place, different owners — for four years before getting into the customer service industry in Napier.”
To begin with, Phil said he would be mainly working solo during the week with wife Cass helping out on Saturdays.
“Cass can hold a mean conversation and is always good for a laugh, so she will be in-house every Saturday to help out.”