Coffee Comes To E Hayes & Sons

After more than 85 years in business, Invercargill’s long-established landmark hardware store now has a cafe.

E Hayes and Sons Ltd general manager Debbie Hodges said the idea was to extend the customer service that they currently offered.

“We get a lot of tour buses and groups that come through (pre-Covid), so we can offer them something to nibble on and a really good coffee.”

And being part of the Hammer Hardware chain, it gave them access to the Columbus Coffee franchise.

They have overcome the need for a kitchen – the food being supplied by local food supplier, Bakers Beyond, and also offering a wide range of drinks including fresh smoothies and juices.

Another highlight on the menu was the Southland cheese roll.

“It’s all about that customer experience.”

E Hayes has the potential to expand its cafe and add a proper established kitchen to make the food onsite in the future, she said.

“We’re starting really small, just to gauge what the interest will be.”

When What’s On Invers arrived for coffee this morning, Debbie said business had been steady since 7:30am.

E Hayes is the original home of the original Burt Munro Indian motorcycle.