Cafe kicks off budding Hobsonville community || foodnews.co.nz

August 16th, 2010

A unique destination, award-winning coffee and two well recognised faces in the industry are all part of the package for the first new business at Hobsonville Point.

Opening on 22 August, the Catalina Café will kick off the growth of Auckland’s newest coastal community that will eventually see 10,000 people living and working at the former airbase.

The café proprietors, renowned for their ongoing contribution to New Zealand’s café culture, are Wayne Jackson and Rachael Aitken.

The pair who have a shared 35 year history in the industry are passionate about creating a hub for Hobsonville Point residents and the wider community that not only provides great coffee and food, but a place to gather and socialise.

“We want to provide our customers with fresh, healthy, affordable food and create a second home for residents,” says Wayne.

“Both Rachael and I have set up and run a number of successful establishments such as ‘The Black Dog’ coffee house in Matakana and the ‘Leigh Sawmill’ café. We are excited to bring our knowledge and passion for the industry to Hobsonville Point.”

Wayne and Rachael have also sourced award winning coffee, the Matakana Roasters ‘Catalina Blend’, from a boutique roastery, which will be available at the Catalina Café.

Sean Bignell, Chief Executive at Hobsonville Land Company, says it is the site’s amenities, beautiful landscape and recreational opportunities that will make it a popular destination for family trips.

“There’s a lot to take in here, from the Catalina Café, to the stunning coastal walkway, and the modern new playground with custom made artworks for kids to enjoy. It’s a great day out for the whole family,” says Mr Bignell.

With a number of energy and water-efficient features such as on-site solar electric generation, solar hot water raintanks and LED lighting the Catalina Café is a modern-style eatery with a contemporary design and features including wireless access for customers via ultra high speed broadband as part of a partnership with Vector.

The cafe is also home to a community space for public events and the Hobsonville Point Information Centre, where locals can learn more about the development features, residential opportunities, technologies and energy management systems.

The public is invited to celebrate the launch of the Catalina Café on Sunday 22 August with a family fun day from 10am – 2pm. Families are encouraged to come along and see the up-and-coming community for themselves while enjoying music, food, a bouncy castle, free ice cream, face-painting, free coffee, a magician and a hot air balloon.