Chance to forge legacy in hospitality
The land, building, and fully operational business sustaining a popular daytime cafe next to the popular Hauraki Rail Trail have been placed on the market.
Trading as The Old Forge, the appealing
120-seater food and beverage destination is constructed with rustic recycled timber and chic long-run iron, sitting on approximately 3541sq m of freehold land
3.5km south of Te Aroha.
The modern and very stylish barn-like
674sq m premises with a prominent street frontage is across the road from the 37km Te Aroha to Matamata leg of the bike trail, with its bike racks regularly full of passing cyclists taking time out to enjoy breakfast or coffee.
The Old Forge takes its name from colonial history. The site was once an old iron forge making stagecoach wheels and later horseshoes.
It is open five days a week during the day from Wednesday to Sunday, hosting evening functions by arrangement. The large kitchen is fully fitted out with commercial-grade food service equipment. The highly spec’d kitchen is capable of simultaneously preparing food for a private function and customers in the cafe.
The land, building and going concern at 9 Alexandra Rd, Te Aroha West are for sale by tender through Bayleys Ngatea, closing March 14.
Salesperson Josh Smith said the ‘turnkey’ business was located in one of the most stylish countryside venues in the Waikato.
“Construction and interior decor fitout of The Old Forge was undertaken to the highest standards.
“With minimal refurbishment the interior could easily be converted into a craft beer bar – which would not only be a stylish hospitality destination for Te Aroha locals but would also act as a magnet to Paeroa, Morrinsville and Matamata catchments.
“The open-plan restaurant could be subdivided into a cafe zone for the day and bar area at night, with the potential for uniting the two spaces for function bookings. Likewise, the outdoor space under a mature oak could be converted into a beer garden.
“There is significant potential to elevate the business by expanding into bigger events such as weddings, anniversaries, family gatherings, and corporate events.”
He said the design would also lend itself to being converted into a funeral home and reception venue, subject to council approval, which could accommodate around 200 people.
Just as if the Old Forge Kitchen was to grow as a function venue, the catchment area for funeral clientele is extensive – embracing Te Aroha just a few kilometres away, and the bigger townships of Matamata, Morrinsville, and Paeroa within easy driving distance.
“With carefully planned scheduling, such a funeral home venue could perform two services daily, every weekday.”