Today is the day all coffee lovers have marked on their calendars, International Coffee Day. To celebrate we’re taking a look at one of our customers who exudes a love and passion for coffee, Third Wheel Vending.
Third Wheel Vending is a small and cosy cafe tucked away in Paihia, New Zealand, serving up specialty coffee and home baked goods. With a focus on delicious brews of Flight Coffee (roasted in Wellington), Third Wheel is fitted out for relaxing and catching up, coffeehouse style. You’ll find it down the lane next to the Swordfish Club, a stone’s throw from the main street of Paihia and the beautiful waterfront.
Owners Tom and Emma have blended their passion for quality coffee with another passion – bicycles. You’ll see the counter tops of Third Wheel are indeed set up on tricycles (the cafe’s namesake).
So, what inspired Tom and Emma to start the business? Coffee and bikes of course! The business then was the culmination of an idea to combine the two.
First starting out as a mobile cart operation in Perth, it was after a year that Tom and Emma decided to settle in a permanent location in Paihia, New Zealand.
When asked what their favourite part about their job is, Tom and Emma kept it simple: making coffee, talking about bikes and meeting new people.
To celebrate International Coffee Day Tom and Emma will be running three blends on the day and offering free coffee to any customer that can guess where each originated from!
Tom and Emma pride themselves on providing fantastic customer service, they will always ask the customer how they like their coffee and make sure they are always satisfied. Tom and Emma are so confident in the quality of their custom coffee that if a customer doesn’t like it – its free.
Their Facebook page has no shortage of rave reviews, with customers like Kyra, who awarded them 5 stars, “Great coffee and homemade treats served up by the lovely owners Tom and Emma. I come here every week, for that and the chill and friendly atmosphere, comfy couches, funky art. It’s all good. Favourite coffee shop in town!”
Another happy customer was Tamara who was overjoyed with her experience and left a glowing review, “There is nothing you cannot rave about – this cute and hip little coffee shop is magic right here in Paihia (been waiting for something this awesome to arrive here in Paihia). Emma & Tom are just lovely as is their coffee, and the food – absolutely amazing! Highly recommend the Chocolate/Walnut/Caramel slice and the hot cross buns are magic. Can’t wait to try all the other goodies – well done you guys, see you again soon.”
When asked what advice they would give to those considering taking the plunge and starting their own business, Tom and Emma had this to say:
“Start small, don’t let rent dominate your business, stick to budget when it comes to fit out.”
If you have an event coming up, be it a festival, birthday, wedding or otherwise, Tom and Emma can provide a vintage setup with friendly service. Contact them via their Facebook page.
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