Jake and Chris opening new restaurant

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 47, 14 May 1985, Page 8

Jake and Chris opening new restaurant

The provision of reasonably priced meals in pleasant surroundings 365 days per year is the aim of Jake Bidwell and Chris Thrupp, the two men behind Stutz Cafe which will open in Clyde Street, Ohakune at the beginning of June. Jake and Chris already run the Country Cafe in Clyde Street. Stutz will be next door in the former TAB office. The new business will be a BYO restaurant and coffee shop. When it opens the Country Cafe will become a take-away only. The existing Country Cafe kitchen will be doubled in size and Stutz will seat fifty people.

Jake believes that people should not have to pay a lot to dine out in pleasant surroundings, so is looking to provide three-course meals for around $10 a head. "Evening meals in the restaurant will be along the same lines as are served at present in Country Cafe," says Jake, "but they will be better presented and there will be more variety. "We will provide healthy, economic meals, and will also provide dishes for vegetarians." During the day the emphasis will be on quick dining. "We will have a good selection of ready made food so people can dine quickly if they wish," says Jake. Stutz will be open for breakfast during the winter months and throughout the summer if there is a demand for it, says Jake. The chef for the evening meals will be Sylvia Racett who previously worked at the Chateau. Country Cafe will be closingfrom 18th May for major renovations and it is hoped the new restaurant and takeaway will be open by

Queen's Birthday weekend. Jake and Chris are doing much of the renovation work themselves but have also had the help of local builders and plumbers. Chris Lyon, of Ohakune, is responsible for the interior decorating of the new restaurant and also made the new sign outside the shop. The unusual sign was premade by Chris in Peter Hammond's carrot packing

shed and was erected last weekend. Country Cafe was established by Chris Thrupp five years ago and Jake joined him in the venture two years later. Jake and Chris have wanted to expand their business for several years, but it was only when the TAB moved out of its office that they had the opportunity to put their plans into action.