Lifestyle opportunities in New Zealand’s dynamic hospitality industry are abundant, but Gul Aulakh is pleased to present an attractive offer that genuinely stands out within the current market. Situated in Whangamata, one of New Zealand’s most sought-after beach towns, this well-established café/bar is now for sale and seeking a lucky new owner! This venture offers an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned investor the unique chance to combine profits with an enviable way of living, all while continuing the legacy of a regional favourite.
Founded in 2012, the business has earned a glowing reputation amongst Whangamata & the wider Coromandel dining scene. Trading daily for breakfast & lunch with space for over 70 customers, the café has become a community gem for loyal residents and visitors alike. “Although the café is a beach town staple, the beautifully presented interior, delicious & inclusive menu, and warm service are reminiscent of something you’d find in a city,” Gul says. This juxtaposition of urban charm amongst coastal calm helps the business stand out amongst local competitors.
Whangamata, located just two hours from Auckland, offers a laid-back lifestyle to locals and visitors in its beautiful beach town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Known for its excellent surfing conditions, Whangamata also boasts the safest swimming beach in the country. Bordering the town is the Coromandel Forest Park, providing a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts such as mountain biking, hiking trails, and exploring old gold mine sites. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, ample boutiques, eateries, and retailers line the street.
Naturally, the summer season is when activity peaks, and the town’s population grows from around 4,500 to an impressive 70,000. Williamson Park’s iconic sound shell hosts several Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, drawing crowds of thousands during the summer months. Additionally, the annual “Beach Hop” festival attracts up to 100,000 attendees over 5 days, featuring a lively parade of around 2,500 classic cars. “Whangamata is action-packed, relaxing, and lucrative all at once and there are simply so many opportunities to capture business,” says Gul.
Centrally located, the café/bar is fantastically situated on the town’s main road amongst complementary businesses and benefits from excellent visibility and high foot traffic. A long lease is also in place, ensuring the business remains securely located in its home for years to come, instilling confidence in prospective buyers.
Not only is the sale comprised of the café/bar, a spacious two-bedroom apartment above the hospitality hotspot is also included in the offer. “The apartment offers a practical living solution for those interested in relocating to Whangamata to seize the opportunity,” Gul explains. “This notable feature positions a venture like this on the radars of aspiring owner-operators looking for an exciting change.”
The current owner is supported by a well-trained team of esteemed staff in full-time and casual roles. They have mastered the craft of delivering seamless and memorable dining experiences, which has allowed the owner to comfortably step away from the business for extended periods while capable staff handle the day to day. “The proven flexibility that this opportunity carries is a significant drawcard. Whether an incoming owner wants to immerse themselves in daily operations or work on the business rather than in it, foundations are in place to support either possibility.”
The business’s awareness is solid, especially for a beach town café. Beyond natural word of mouth marketing, across social media, the café has accumulated almost 3,000 followers. “The large following highlights the café’s status as a cherished and renowned spot and provides a new owner with reassuring number to continue building on.”
The full liquor on-licence offers an excellent opportunity for a new owner to trade into the night, particularly during the warmer months to capitalise on the influx of tourists. “All the pieces are in place for a new owner to successfully implement evening dining to help increase the business’s revenue and steer it towards its full potential as a social hub,” Gul says.
Additionally, the apartment above the café could be rented out to seasonal staff or offered as an Airbnb to meet demand for accommodation, especially during summertime. Gul affirms that this has the enticing potential to provide an additional lucrative passive income stream to an investor or someone who would prefer a more hands-off role in the business. “Perhaps the best part about this opportunity and all its components is that it can be moulded to fit a range of business goals and needs, emphasising its wide appeal.”
Gul encourages interested buyers to act quickly. “This is a premier café & bar in an unbeatable location with accommodation, so it’s no question that ventures like this are rare and in high demand.”
Whether you’re an investor looking for your next acquisition or a budding owner-operator eager to escape big city living, opportunity knocks.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, or want to sell or buy with confidence, contact expert business broker Gul Aulakh on 022 510 0000 or at gul.aulakh@linkbusiness.co.nz.
**Disclaimer: This article has been previously published on the NZ Herald.
