Masterton District Council [MDC] has bequeathed the Coronation Hall tenancy to Sweet Cheeks Bakery.
Bakery Owner Jasmine Yoi told the Times-Age why she decided to move her food establishment to the Hall in Queen Elizabeth II Park and what she hopes to do with the space.
“We were based in Solway, and I have a weekend food trailer that I have outgrown,” Yoi said.
“I have been looking for a commercial space for a year in Masterton, and I hadn’t found anything well-priced with a kitchen until this came up.”
Yoi said she missed the application deadline in November of last year but made a request in January, which was approved.
She said MDC received several applications, but the applicants were not suitable, which led to her getting the site.
The Times-Age previously reported that MDC was looking to move away from food-style businesses occupying the site after previous failed attempts, but according to MDC’s general manager of Infrastructure and Assets, Maseina Koneferenisi, Yoi ticked all the right boxes.
“The Council had interest from a range of health and sports organisations and catering businesses leading to two formal expressions of interest, with the second being for office space,” she said.
“The track record of past businesses at the site was front-of-mind during consideration of these expressions of interest. The business plan presented by Sweet Cheeks Cakery was comprehensive and answered questions about long-term viability. It also aligned with the Queen Elizabeth Park management plan.”
Part of the commercial kitchen inside was removed after the last business vacated, which Yoi said was only a dishwasher and a grill, but other appliances, such as ovens and fridges, remain.
She said Sweet Cheeks have a focus on cakes and donuts but will also serve other savoury and sweet treats.
Their official opening is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, but they plan to do a soft launch this weekend.
