In the heart of Berwick, nestled within the historic grounds of the original Berwick Primary School, sits a café that’s become more than just a local favorite — it’s a community hub, a celebration destination, and a testament to what passion, trust, and teamwork can achieve.
We’re thrilled to spotlight our client, Primary @ Pioneers Park, a thriving café restaurant with a story as rich as its menu.
Can you share what Primary @ Pioneers Park is all about and the services you offer?
We are a 200 seat café restaurant, open 7 days a week, serving breakfast and lunch. We also offer evening functions for Weddings, birthdays, Christmas parties, Engagement parties and/or anything that can be celebrated.
Could you tell us about your journey so far? What key milestones or strategies have been pivotal in your success?
Zac & I both worked for the previous owners for 6 years and then purchased the café off them together in September 2023. Having worked closely together as managers for the previous owners, we had already built the confidence and trust we needed to go into business together.
We have very different working backgrounds, which brings very complimentary experience in both hospitality and business/finance. Our varied backgrounds and knowledge mean we are constantly learning off each other and putting full trust in the other person to work to their strengths. Because we do work in different areas of the café, communication is key and our number one strategy.
What sets Primary @ Pioneers Park apart from other cafés/venues in the area, and what aspects do your clients appreciate the most?
We are situated on the grounds and in the buildings of the original Berwick Primary School. The grounds are now park land with a playground right beside the café, creating an inviting space for all generations with both indoor & outdoor seating.
With so many regular customers, we like to know and greet everyone by name. If it’s their first visit or they don’t visit as often, we like to get to know our customers. Our customers are our business. We like to keep our menu fresh & seasonal and our coffee on point. We only use quality ingredients.
What advice would you give to other businesses looking to achieve similar success?
Being a large venue, we need to have trust in our team members to use our processes and look after the customers the same way we would. Even as the venue manager prior to the purchase of the café, I’ve always used the Richard Branson philosophy, “happy and fulfilled employees lead to satisfied customers who keep returning for more.” Our team is our family, we want them to enjoy coming to work and enjoy working with each other.
How has your partnership with HTA contributed to your growth and accomplishments?
Having worked for HTA for 9 years, I had used that time unknowingly building a network of contacts. Once we began the purchase process, my first call was to Troy to engage him & HTA to assist with the purchase of the café. Already having built working relationships with Troy & Tim, meant I already had full trust in them and their team. Not only do we utilise the services of HTA Advisory, but also HTA Wealth & HTA Finance. They help us move forward, keep us accountable, protect ourselves and our families, and plan for the future, both short term & long term.
What exciting plans or projects are in the works for Primary @ Pioneers Park? What’s next on the horizon?
We’ll continue to work on our retail brand over the next 12 months. Having already released 2 of our house made sauces; Sweet Chilli Sauce & Korean Sweet & Spicy Sauce, we plan to expand this range as well as introducing meat rubs. We’ll introduce some new logoed merchandise, including keep cups and hopefully some apparel, which the team has been eagerly requesting.
