Niagara staff James, Donna, Michelle, Amanda, Tina and Juanita.
The Niagara Cafe looking for new Chef, with plans to expand as they head in to new growth phase
The Niagara Cafe is currently looking for a new Chef or experienced Cook to support the growing restaurant, as it expands and increases its offering to the local community and beyond.
Kym Fraser, Owner, says the cafe requires more capacity as it is looking to expand into night time trading, among other opportunities, as they can see the demand within the local community.
“We really require more capacity within the kitchen to help with expanding into night time opportunities. There is a real opportunity and demand for it from locals and the extensive number of travellers from the Hume Highway. We are really trying to build capacity within the kitchen in a dynamic environment,” he said.
They are hoping the flexible role will appeal to someone who may be looking for a tree change, a sponsorship opportunity, or even a couple who may want to work together.
Niagara are also looking for more front of house staff. “The role is really whatever meets their needs but our needs as well. If there is alignment between their interests and
ours, we will look at that as well,” Mr Fraser said.
Kym hopes that the successful candidate will also assist in increasing the cafe’s menu offerings, by developing signature dishes or special menu items.
“You keep certain staples on the menu because people expect them and they like them, but we are hoping to also expand, whether it’s fresh seafood, or a good cut of meat or something like that to keep freshening it up.”
Mr Fraser said they have seen a huge increase in the number of visitors in Gundagai over the last few years, and feels there is a lot of untapped opportunity within Gundagai and the increase in visitors.
“We would be looking to play our part in reaching the untapped opportunity within town by making the cafe a destination location that helps bring people to town. Our goal at this stage is to keep getting really good at delivering quality service. That is our point of difference, people do like to come in and sit down, see the locals working there, have a chat and get to know them. If we continue to get better at that and keep delivering really good food, well that is our staple,” he said.
Heading in to the three-year mark now since taking ownership of the cafe, Mr Fraser says they have been very lucky with a very loyal, local customer base, even with the cost-of-living issues, who have consistently supported the cafe and responded well to the wallet saver ideas.
“The wallet saver ideas give people the opportunity to come in and have some really nice food for a good price. We are also lucky because of the number of people who do travel up and down the Hume Highway. People seem to be driving more these days and we tend to get more people off the road.”
The Niagara Cafe has a consistent local customer base but also has a large staff roster, with about 25 people on their roster, and they are proud of the employment opportunities the cafe provides for the community. “We need the ongoing customers to be able to provide the employment, but one leads to the other, if you’ve got good staff, then that tends to lead to customers as well,” Mr Fraser said.
“We will see familiar faces over the weekends, people who bring the family in or people who come five days a week for a morning cup of coffee. During school holidays travellers tend to fill the place up too. We are very lucky with consistent customers,” he said.
The Niagara Cafe is open seven days a week from 8am – 3pm, and is located at 142 Sheridan Street, Gundagai.
Emily Flint
