When Alexi and Natalie first opened Kefi cafe in 2015, they could hardly have imagined that just a few years later they’d be managing two popular locations in Taupō. They started the business simply and established quickly (opening within seven days) after finding their perfect site on Horomatangi Street. Key criteria in starting their business was a great location, great food and minimal investment (at that stage) and to grow from there. The cafe quickly became a known local spot for their ethos of a family friendly cafe that suits all dietary requirements and offers fresh, real food.
But like any business, their journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From the financial strain of refurbishing their original cafe to delays in expansion, Alexi and Natalie have learned key lessons along the way.
Seizing the Opportunity for Growth
In 2020 Alexi and Natalie decided it was time to expand and refurbish the cafe on Horomatangi Street. They knew it was time to expand when customer demand was outgrowing the space the cafe had available. At a similar time they were approached by the developers of Kokomea about opening a second location in the new commercial precinct. Alexi jumped at the opportunity with the plan that the refurbished Horomatangi location would be complete before turning his attention to opening the new cafe at Kokomea.
They’ve learnt that even with the best plans, timing doesn’t always go your way, after significant delays and some steep learning curves during the refurbishment process at the Horomatangi site; primarily when their first Project Manager misappropriated a significant amount of their money and made no progress. They then found a new local team that aligned with their vision for Kefi, consisting of Rekon Inc, Haimes Building, Watts Construction and Decor Design who worked hard to deliver the outstanding new space Kefi customers can now enjoy. Alexi is very appreciative of their efforts and the great working relationships he has built with this team.
Through the challenges, the business kept its focus. “Timing doesn’t always go to plan,” says Alexi, “but those setbacks were valuable learning experiences”. Alexi’s key takeaways from this process include:
Research is critical when choosing the right people for project work
Cash can be a constraint during a refurbishment and fit out project, it is so important to establish a great working relationship with your builders and designers; be forthright with your expectations and keep open communication.
Stay resilient in the face of challenges - Alexi acknowledges the hiccups along the way and reiterates the importance of keeping perspective and rolling with the punches.
Carefully consider timing and contingency plans for growth.
Double and triple check your plans, and then check them again. Think about the space and how it will function practically.
Ensure purchases are well thought out and useful, and don’t waste money on unnecessary purchases.
New Spaces, New Opportunities
Despite the setbacks, both cafes are now fully operational, with a combined 120% increase in capacity. Looking ahead, Alexi and his team are excited to see how the new spaces perform during the busy summer season. Alexi says “we are very proud of where we are today, and we are proud to be a part of the Taupō community - it is so supportive”.
The Importance of Team and Culture
One of the most important lessons Alexi has learned as a business owner is the value of a great team. “Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed,” he says. That’s something Alexi credits for Kefi’s growth and success—investing in staff and making sure they feel valued. With eight employees when they first opened, the team has now grown to over 40 during the summer season. Alexi believes that by paying staff well, supporting and training them, they will go above and beyond, helping the business thrive.
Looking Toward the Future
What’s Next for Kefi? As both cafes continue to grow, Alexi has his sights set on fine-tuning the operations at both locations. One exciting goal is to have both cafes licensed to serve alcohol, adding a new dimension to the customer experience. Despite the challenges, Alexi is proud of how far they’ve come—and the journey is far from over.
Alexi sums up his business journey by saying “Find your niche, and despite growth, stick to your original ethos if this resonates well with customers”.
For other business owners, Alexi’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, careful planning, and a great team. If you’re thinking about expanding or renovating, take his advice to heart—and remember: growth comes with its share of challenges, but with the right approach, the rewards are worth it.
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