CAFE FOR FAMILY

WORDS and PHOTOS Joshua Brosnahan 

Wendy and her husband Darren have owned Esquires Merivale for five years come October, and after living in Christchurch for close to fifteen years, the couple describes the city as home. 

Located in Merivale Mall, the Esquires Café offers a variety of freshly made foods and delicious coffees, smoothies, and shakes. You can get anything from a hearty breakfast or lunch on the go, and you’ll always be greeted with a smile. 

Wendy originates from Shenzhen, next to Hong Kong. She has always had a vision of owning her own café. 

“I love food. I love experiencing new food! In China, a bakery is different from a Kiwi bakery. China doesn’t traditionally have many cafés, so I dreamed of owning my own bakery. 

“Shenzen is such a big city! To go from a population of over 100 million to Christchurch was interesting. Christchurch has everything I need. I don’t think we will ever leave Christchurch because we just love it here.” 

After working a number of years in a café at the Christchurch International Airport, Wendy then trained as a preschool teacher. This was a role that enabled her and Darren to purchase Esquires Merivale. 

“I was really proud of myself in that first café job. I didn’t feel my English was very good when I started, but my boss at the time encouraged me and was happy with me. I knew I did a really good job because I just love speaking with my customers, and they loved speaking with me also.” 

Even though the café is part of a franchise, Wendy and her husband have created the entire menu themselves – something they credit to the supportive Esquires head office. They’ve empowered them to really make the café their own with unique choices that cater to their dedicated clientele. 

This explains the cabinet food – you’ll find the most enormous sausage rolls you’ll ever see in your life and Wendy’s own ice cream sundae creation. They’re definitely worth a trial! The newest additions to the cabinets are keto-friendly slices and treats. 

Wendy works on the floor most days, with a dedicated team of baristas and staff. Darren works behind the scenes, as a repairman, accountant and several other roles, on top of having his own job. 

“My favourite thing is just to talk to my customers. They’re like an extended family for me. We have some customers who come every day, and if they can’t make it, they let us know.” Wendy mentions that she still has mothers who bring in their children to say hello, from her previous job as an early childhood teacher. 

The location is a key selling point for the café. There are oodles of skylights and friendly neighbours in the mall, and just at the Papanui entrance, you can pop in, grab a takeaway flat white and indulge in some retail therapy, whether it’s your lunch break or you’re out with friends. 

Wendy, Darren, and the entire team at Esquires Merivale are looking forward to seeing you! Their kitchen is open early, from 7am until 2:30pm each day. 

merivalemall.co.nz