Debbie Meiklejohn

Hospitality Business Owner with 6 years experience in management, menu planning, social media content.

Exceptional Customer Service skills with customers and service providers.

Employing and training staff.

Liaising with other businesses regarding new product and business opportunities.

My name is Debbie Meiklejohn
I am 48 years old and am married to Brad with 2 kids (young adults) Bailey 20 years and Flynn 17.
I have a hospitality background and owned (with Brad) and ran our very busy 7 day a week Cafe Orvieto on Mt Eden Rd for 6 years. There I managed 17 staff and all that entails.
It was super important for me to provide a great environment for our staff and I think the fact most of our staff stayed with us for years was testament to that.
serving food and coffee that looked and tasted good was also really important and I spent alot of time training staff to make sure this happened.
I am very used to working under pressure, problem solving and resolving issues with staff/customers especially during Covid where we had to come up with constant changes with contactless services. At one point I led for a short time a Childcare programme where we provided lunches for a few privately owned daycares. I came up with the menus and often cooked the food alongside our chefs that meet nutritional and dietary requirements so have a small understanding of what this entails.
We sold our Cafe at the end of last year due to the impacts of Covid and now I work part time (3days) as an insurance assessor. ( very different to hospo) I deal daily with clients some happy some grumpy providing the kind of service I would expect if it were me on the other end of the phone.
I believe my strengths are with the relationships I build with others, I think I connect really well with all types of people over various ages and stages. Ive discovered through the cafe Im good at problem solving and giving great service . Im a hard worker compassionate and fair
I am a creative at heart and love the concept of putting something together for others to enjoy. This could be a meal an event or repurposing an ugly piece of furniture with what I have round the house.

I guess the reason I loved the idea of owning a cafe was my love of good tasting food. To be able to create an experience for whoever by providing great food is such a warm and enjoyable moment that everyone should experience. This may also have something to do with the small amount of Samoan running through my veins inherited from my Dad and all our family Sunday gatherings with the amazing food my Grandma & aunties would prepare, a great childhood memory
I love the idea of providing healthy lunches for kids, it certainly pulls on my heart strings
The thought of what kind of impact this has on impressionable young lives and the potential for future initiatives is exciting.