About us
The Takaka Theatre was built in 1910. This grand building was the focal point of Golden Bay’s social activity. It was used for film screening’s, balls and performances. In the 1970's there was a temporary slump caused by TV entering people’s homes. The theatre closed for a short time until a local entrepreneur divided the building into several smaller spaces which unfortunately robbed the building of it’s internal grandness.
“The Wholemeal Trading co” opened in 1977. Originally, it was a wholefoods shop supplying alternative foods that weren’t stocked by the traditional supermarket (Like lentils, beans, soy milk, tofu and tahini)
It was also a haven for the new alternative community that began settling in Golden Bay since the early 70's. They were lured by cheap land and an idyllic lifestyle but had not yet integrated with the more traditional community.
Gradually owner Wayne Green (Since 1989) expanded the business combining the spaces into one and The Wholemeal Café was born.
When it opened, the Wholemeal Café served simple filter coffee and a minimal selection of savoury food. In 1991 Wayne purchased the café’s first leaver coffee machine and then quickly upgraded to a new three group Wega. At the time in was the biggest and flashest coffee machine in the Nelson district and coffee culture in New Zealand was in full swing.
When Wayne retired management of the business was passed onto his daughter, Aydee Green.
“When suits mix with bare feet and beards, and teenagers, farmers, mothers and yuppies are all comfortable together, I feel I have achieved the ultimate atmosphere. It is then like an insulated bubble where everybody forgets their prejudices and society blends” Quote by Wayne Green 2000 Cookbook1
Many years later the philosophy remains the same. We aim to cater to a wide range of people, turn good, local produce into quality dishes and support ethical companies. We strive for organic as much as possible, don’t compromise cost with quality, believe that positive energies and intent create good rewards and preserve tradition where we can.
The family behind The Wholemeal Cafe
60 Commercial Street in Takaka, 7110,
Golden Bay, New Zealand.