Whanau is at the heart of Kati Street
If you think running a startup business in New Zealand’s economy sounds daunting – try throwing a few toddlers in the mix. Parents of two, Etana Bryce and Varun Chadda are the entrepreneurial owners of Kati Street café.
Nestled between the mini mart and hair salon in a classic slice of kiwi suburbia, beams a bright and quirky little café. Located in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, Kati Street Café and Eatery invites you into their space.
Customers are welcomed in with vibrant coloured walls of orange and striking galactic purple menu boards offering a variety of delicious foods. Staple items range from the succulent smash burgers, luscious, loaded fries and mouthwatering mega toasties. The café is a product of many years of working in the industry for the pair.
“We enjoy it, we love being part of the community, it’s one of the highlights, feeling like you’re really a part of the community and getting to see everyone’s kids grow up and hearing all their stories. We have awesome staff and it’s fun for the kids, it is hugely stressful but it’s worth it.”
Etana Bryce – co-owner
Six years ago, before having their first child, Chadda and Bryce were still in discussion about the prospect of starting a new business. Three years later, reality came to light where the couple opened a food truck, selling Kati rolls – a grilled kebab which is a popular street food dish from India.
Unfortunately, despite a strong start, nearby road works made it difficult for customers to access the truck which led to business slowing down. The couple decided to search for a permanent place to move their business, with a new menu, new vision, and a new plan for growth. They planned for Varun to work as the chef, a profession and talent he has many years of experience in. Etana would work as barista and front of house, skills she has mastered over years in the industry. Together they would manage the wider scope of business.
With their son in daycare, Varun and Etana felt they had time to focus on running a café with each sharing the day-to-day duties.
After months of searching, and continuing financial impacts from the road works, they contemplated throwing in the towel. However, in a stroke of good luck, they noticed a little takeaway shop nearby was vacant. They signed a five-year lease, moving their business just down the road.
“The location meant we were able to keep all our customers, and we didn’t have to start from scratch,” Etana said.
Etana said it was a lot of fun finding the café and with their son still in daycare they were good to go ahead, however “We found out we were pregnant with Tora, our second child, in the same week.” This threw a spanner in the works as more staff would be needed on board to help with the load.
The plan was revised, Etana would be a stay-at-home-mum while Varun would continue to work in the kitchen. Both rolling with the punches, their place of business took off again.
One year after opening, Kati Street is thriving with a large customer base and a whanau friendly feel.
The couple often collaborate with the kids in tow and the response from the community is positive. Etana said a lot of regulars have become friends and customers kids are also forming bonds in the community. With determination and the support of their whanau the pair successfully juggle family, life and business.
Find out more about the business and browse their menu here
