Big future planned for Highway Cafe

 

Highway Cafe at the intersection of SH1 and SH12 and the southern approach to the Bryndrwyns has opened fresh and bright and is already attracting a steady flow of customers.

New owners Jayne Senior and Debby Norris have joined forces and moved south. Jayne was licencee of Far North establishment The Waipapakauri Hotel for the past six years though is not exactly a stranger to these parts having been a former owner of the Commercial Hotel in Dargaville some years ago. 

Debby also has a long history in the food and beverage industry.

“A number of people from the area often head to the Far North on fishing trips or tiki tours so we’re not exactly strangers,” says Jayne.

Classic cars and bikes are the theme and feature in the decor. The establishment has been completely refurbished and refreshed with new macrocarpa tables and counters. It presents a good atmosphere and comfortable padded booths throughout will make dining a pleasure. 
Hot foods, snack foods and coffee-to-go will be available for early passers-by from 7am.

Discounts for Gold Card holders and regular specials will keep the menu interesting. Summer plans are for spit roast meals and outdoor tables on the grassed area below the deck which includes a reserved smoking area.

“We see this as the gateway to the north,”Jayne adds. “There is a lot of traffic not only going north and south but also travelling the Twin Coast route to service the western areas and we’re here to serve not only those people but also the locals.” 

They also want to host car and bike clubs who regularly run cavalcades across Northland throughout the year.

Barista Rosie is well known to locals, makes a fine coffee, and is always pleased to see new faces.

Nestled under the picturesque Brynderwyns the Highway Cafe is a pleasant place for a pit stop with good off-road parking.

‘People friendly’ is the aim and the women agree they are looking forward to getting to know and serving a wider group of people and believe it will be a little less hectic compared to the pub scene. 

People friendly is the aim. From Left, business partners Debby and Jayne, with barista Rosie.