WHEN Cheryl Stacey and her partner Paul Strugnell sat down for a coffee at Cedro’s cafe and started chatting to the owner, little did they know that it was a conversation that would change their lives.
The then owner happened to mention the cafe was for sale and the couple could not resist buying it, embarking on a new career in their mid-sixties. Cheryl had owned in a sandwich shop and managed a hotel bistro several years ago but never run a cafe, and Paul had managed large businesses projects but never worked in the food industry. Neither could resist the challenge.
“We weren’t ready to retire,” Paul said. “This was the ideal challenge because we both are real people people and enjoy talking to patrons.”
The couple knew they would be very busy once they took over, so decided to arrange their wedding in December before taking over the reins.
“We actually had the honeymoon in the UK back in April May/August last year, so I guess you could say we did everything in reverse backwards,” Paul joked.
When they bought Cedro, they were taking over an established cafe with regular clientele, but quickly set about putting their own stamp on it, expanding the menu and trying new and fresh things in consultation with chef Lisa Couell.
Weekend breakfast is a tradition at Cedro but they are now trialling staying open for Saturday and Sunday lunches in addition to breakfasts. The highlight will be a wine, cheese and music afternoon one Sunday a month.
The inaugural wine and cheese event to celebrate their new ownership will be this Sunday 16 February, and local singer-cum-guitarist Pamela Hata-McLeay will be playing from 2pm to 5pm. Several tables are already booked for what should be an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon.
Both in their sixties themselves, Cheryl and Paul understand there are many retirees in Port Macquarie and offer 15 per cent discount to seniors on a Thursday.
The Cedro menu is officially Mediterranean, but you’ll find an eclectic mix, with dishes ranging from the ever-popular bacon and egg roll, to eggs benedict with house smoked salmon (or leg ham or bacon), and breakfast tagine, which is Moroccan spiced minced lamb, roasted pumpkin, yoghurt, a soft poached egg and flatbread.
You’ll also find plenty of light options like a Thai beef salad and a warm chermoula spiced chicken salad. Gluten-free options are available.
Another innovation is a specials blackboard, with daily specials such as coffee and house cooked muffin for $8 and mouth-watering nachos that is proving a real hit for $14.90.
Nor is the coffee department forgotten – Cedro uses Toby’s Estate, which is a world-renowned Sydney roast coffee, expertly brewed by their accomplished barista Allison Cope.
Just over a month of ownership on, Paul and Cheryl have already achieved some of their goals, but still have several on their to-do list. These include raising the cafe’s already good ranking up of three/four on the Trip Advisor website for Port Macquarie eating establishments to number one.
Here’s one comment, of the 72 reviews, taken at random from Trip Advisor: “My partner and his parents all enjoyed a beautiful, fresh breakfast here on a Friday morning. The coffee was great and service was prompt. The owner seemed very appreciative of his great reviews on Trip Advisor and was also very passionate about his cafe. Overall a very nice breakfast and would definitely eat here again.”
No doubt with Paul and Cheryl’s enthusiasm – and a mission statement of providing quality food, quality coffee and quality service in a friendly atmosphere with a smile – they will achieve their goal of the number-one ranking and any other goals they set themselves.
Cedro is fully licensed and located at the intersection of Clarence and Short Street, with sea views down both from the outside corner tables. They are closed Mondays, open 7.30am to 2.30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Follow them on Facebook for details of special wine, cheese and music sessions on Sunday afternoons and other events.
