Cafe Inc is now open in Rototuna, but for those who might label it is only for 'healthy' people or those with intolerances, the name sends a different message.
The Inc in Cafe Inc stands for inclusive of everyone and judging by the crowds of people in the cafe so soon after it opened, it's proving a hit from the word go.
Cabinets chock full with delicious treats, salads, pies, everything you expect to find in a 'normal' cafe but most of it can be eaten by those with gluten intolerances. "What is normal?" owner Matt Gatchell jokes.
But it doesn't stop there - every food item is carefully labelled with icons, showing what is in the food, such as a symbol of wheat crossed out for gluten free, a symbol of cheese and milk crossed out for dairy free and so on. The cabinet is backed up by an extensive menu, with things such as a full grill, pancakes, baked beans on toast, buckwheat and hazelnut porridge. And for those who find it difficult to eat out, the whole menu is gluten and dairy free.
The brains behind the food is Matt, who, as a chef, found it hard to eat out at places that provided gluten free food that still tastes delicious. "Being gluten intolerant I found it really hard to stick to it, and so hard to eat like that. You go out for [lunch], and being a chef I'm picky, and then be limited again by [gluten free].
"I wanted to offer good gluten-free food for a lot of people and those with a lot of allergies. My sister is vegan, she has the same problem just being alienated when she goes out.
"You go out for lunch and say I can't have this or this, and you get served a bland dish. It shouldn't be like that."
It's reasonably priced too. A gluten free, dairy free bacon and egg pie (that tastes better than most pies I've eaten before being gluten free) and raw ginger slice with coconut cream on the side setting me back just over $12.
Matt previously worked with Goneburger, but saw an opportunity to branch out and start his own cafe where everyone could feel comfortable having a good lunch out. He has four chefs on staff and starts most of his days at 4am if he's in the kitchen, with partner Lisa Riley also helping out on the floor. Matt said they are open from 6.30am to catch the on-the-way-to-work traffic, as he noticed most people stopping at the petrol station across the road for coffee and he wanted to provide a cafe with healthy food options and good coffee for those on the run.
Cafe Inc is open until 4pm weekdays and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-3pm. For more information visit www.facebook.com/cafeincnz.