On social media Pepe’s Cafe owners said rising costs and demands of balancing hospitality industry pressures against family life were forcing them to step back from the business.
Photo: RNZ / Bill Hickman
A much loved Porirua cafe and catering company – famous for hearty Island-inspired pies with fillings from creamed pāua to boiled brisket Povi Masima – is closing its doors at the end of the week.
On social media, Pepe’s Cafe in Porirua said rising costs and the demands of balancing hospitality industry pressures against family life were forcing its owners to step back from the business.
“We opened as a new business right as Aotearoa entered one of the toughest economic downturns in decades.
“Food costs rose and rose, and the only business solution was to increase prices. But that went against our heart. We opened to serve our people and to keep our food accessible, not exclusive.
“Maybe that makes us bad businesspeople on paper, but raising our prices beyond what our community could afford didn’t sit right with us,” the post said.
Pepe’s Cafe in Porirua.
Photo: RNZ / Bill Hickman
The cafe thanked families, staff, customers and local business initiatives for their support.
“To the local businesses and supporters who encouraged us, guided us, and cheered us on – thank you. A special thank you to Porirua City Council for the opportunities you opened for us, to the Pacific Business Network for your guidance and support, and to the media outlets who blessed us with features and stories that helped share our journey.
“To our family and friends: thank you for lifting us during our hardest seasons and believing in this dream from day one,” the post said.
Daniel Macaulay works at NZWindows nearby and says he loves their creamy chicken pie.
Photo: RNZ / Bill Hickman
Customers and friends flooded the post’s comments with messages of support and raves for the cafe’s distinctive food.
“Thank u for all the delicious kai you have given us. My faves will always be your creamy mushroom fries, the creamy chicken pie & of course your famous Lu’au Burger. Wishing u guys all the best for the future, ” wrote Renee Paul.
Dallas Paul included a picture of his favourite flavour the cafe’s boil up pie “I’m going to miss it, I need bereavement leave!!” he wrote.
“Another Porirua gem gone but never forgotten” said Tesa Lee.
The cafe will have its last business day on 21 December.