Porirua café and catering business Pepe’s Cafe will close at the end of the week, with owners citing rising food costs and the strain of balancing hospitality pressures with family life.
Famous for its Island-inspired pies — including creamed pāua, boiled brisket and boil-up fillings — the café said increasing prices was the only viable business option but conflicted with its commitment to keeping food affordable for the community.
In a social media statement, the owners thanked staff, customers, family, local businesses, Porirua City Council and the Pacific Business Network for their support, as customers flooded the post with tributes.
The café’s final trading day will be 21 December.
