New cafe for Raetihi

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 687, 20 May 1997, Page 7

New cafe for Raetihi

Several months of intensive renovating will be completed next week with the opening of the rtew 'Coach Caffe' in Seddon Street, Raetihi. Cafe owner Chris Windle says she hopes to cater for a whole range of tastes and budgets, offering "authentic cafe dining with full service". Along with the general a la carte menu there will be specials each week, special seafood smorgasbord evenings and treats for the senior citizens. Much of the food will be made of the premises and they have just installed a brand new cappuccino machine - a first for the town. Private functions will be a large part of the service offered with the restaurant seating 50 and several small private lounge rooms ideal for small meetings. The building itself is part of Raetihi's history. Originally two storey, being built around the turn of the century as a guest house and lodge, it was rebuilt as a single level after several fires. Keith Haitana, the building's owner has tried to keep the renovations within the period with timber trim and leadlight feature windows. Mrs Windle is thrilled with the results saying "Both Keith and 'Fish' have worked so hard, they have done a great job with the changes".