Bestsellers: Red hot spot for lunch in Te Awamutu

Friday, 6 September 2024

Te Awamutu’s bustling Red Kitchen has been a staple of the town for nearly fifteen years.

It’s no wonder that when the business was sold, customers were reluctant to let go of the old owners, Megan and Mat Priscott. That’s why they still work together with new owners Ryan and Alex Burke.

Set up with a retail section, a cafe, and an online ordering service, the business is very attractive to locals.

Alex said their bestseller is their unique chicken summer rolls.

Tell us about your bestseller

“The chicken summer roll. It’s a rice paper roll, and it has chicken and vegetables with mayo and a hoisin sauce. We have them in our little to-go fridge, so you can just grab them and go.

“It’s light, easy and healthy.”

Why do you think it's so appealing?

“It’s something different, and you don’t see it in every cafe. And it’s just healthy.”

Who's attracted to it?

“It’s mainly older people, like 65 plus. In Te Awamutu, we have a lot of retired of semi-retired people. We also get a lot of mums. We have a mum group that comes sometimes.

“And then just a lot of real estate agents spend a lot of time in here, probably more than they should! But there’s a lot of their offices surrounding us so that’s why.”

How much is it?

“$7.50. You can get two for $15. People aren’t super keen on spending lots of money for lunch, so to get that and a coffee for 20 bucks is pretty good.”

What's your favourite item/product?

“My favourite thing is the raspberry cream cheese brownie, or the summer roll. Or the ham, cheese, and tomato toastie.

“For our toasties, we use bread from the Grumpy Baker, who is actually the least grumpy baker in the world, he’s great. Great bread.”