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The Mountain rocks Café was established in 2003, a conversion from our previous business ‘The Video Shop’ on the same site by the present owners.
The conversion took 12 weeks, hands-on, gutting a very old building, and project managing the rebuilding, redesigning, decorating and furnishing . We created a purpose built space which would cater to the needs of a café that would do justice to a corner site, in a quaint but at times incredibly busy ski town.
We wanted to create a café that would cater to locals and visitors, that felt like an extension of our home, comfortable, relaxed and friendly. Logs were cut from the Karioi Forest and prepared on site. Wall panelling was also milled locally and incorporated into the décor. Warm vibrant colours were then added to create an inviting space.
Situated on the corner of Clyde and Goldfinch Street (Mountain Road), we had a huge job opening up the Goldfinch Street wall, and incorporating Bi Folding Windows and doors.
‘The Rocks’, as it is affectionately known, has become a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. We enjoy renewing customer relations from previous years.
A seasonal business comes with its own set of diverse challenges. Training, up-skilling and retaining staff in a small town, being one of these.
We found by retraining ourselves, Karl (Barrista), Maureen (Cook), we could then train our own staff, and get the continuity often found lacking, in a small business in a seasonal town.
Over the years we have trained and up-skilled most of our staff. They are locals, we keep employed all year. During the winter months, we take on itinerant staff; just here for the season. Our 4 boys have all worked in the business with us and have gained some great skills, including 2 of them gaining their Managers Licences.
Over the years we have evolved and now employ fully qualified Chefs and Barristas, but we are always hands on, overseeing the quality and presentation of the Food and Coffee. We identify problems and find solutions through good systems.
Our pre-employment includes the Mantra ‘We strive to be the best’ and from day one, we were intent of serving the best coffee, the best food and giving the best service. All our staff know we love and take care of our business. Customers are our asset, we want them to come back.
On entering The Mountain Rocks, feel the warmth, look around, the food cabinet looks great, the walls are covered with fun and funky gifts, the staff are friendly, and we want to say to you:
‘Kia Ora’, You are Welcome, come in, Enjoy, Relax…..
Our establishment is heavily marketed on local Radio, and has been for nine years. Karl (owner) also does a’ radio phone in’ on a Saturday Morning during the Rugby season. Karl talks rugby with Geoff from Peak FM. They cover local, national and international Rugby, we also use this format to promote Live Rugby televised on our Big Screen. Often we play games recorded overnight, at breakfast time.
For any other event, we can do a live crossover any time with Geoff.
We promote ourselves to the local community through the radio, not forgetting our visitors, who, don’t know where we are or what service we provide. Every year we get a new set of customers, as well as repeat customers and they need to be reminded our opening hours, and the type of food on offer.
We sponsor many local Clubs and Events, including The A&P Show, The Rodeo, The Golf Club, Movember (including Karl and staff members growing Mo’s)
The Primary & Secondary Schools, Pony Club, and many more. In a small community, we get out what we put in, Loyalty.
We use novelty gifts and giveaways, Postcards and Greeting Cards.
Immensely popular are our very own Rock Dollars, which we designed personally. These have been a great promotional tool, as well as a gift voucher. We do several denominations, and package them to suit. People love to give them for Birthdays as they are a novel, fun way to gift.
The Mountain Rocks is renowned for it’s plentiful array of funky gifts and art that is all for sale on the premises.
We often get calls from customers who have taken a liking to something that they have seen but did not make an immediate decision to purchase wondering if they can still acquire a gift or piece of artwork.
Pop in and see what we have currently for sale…. you might just be tempted!
