Hospitality couple gear up for world rowing champs

PETER DRURY/Waikato Times

FRESH CHALLENGE: Sandra and Leslie Marston in their Powerhouse Cafe in Karapiro Village.

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Sandra Marston and her husband Leslie plan to let the food do the talking for them at their newest venture, the Powerhouse Cafe, Bar and Restaurant.

With more than 60 years of combined experience in hospitality, the couple are gearing their business up for the Rowing World Championships at Karapiro.

The Boat Shed, which they have owned since last year, and the Powerhouse, which they recently bought, are at Karapiro, which will see thousands of rowers and supporters flood into the area come October.

When the Powerhouse was offered to them, Mrs Marston said the decision was easy.

"It was too good of an opportunity to turn down."

"We were wanting a change, and with the rowing cup coming up there was a lot of interest. We wanted a new challenge."

So far, they are unsure how their produce orders will increase during the rowing.

"It's really hard to know, but the suppliers are geared up to supply us. All we know is that there will be a lot more, maybe four to five times more than what we are going through now. There will also be more staff."

Mrs Marston said they are preparing for the championships now, by making sure hotels and motels around the area are aware of the services they have to offer.

"We are trying very hard to promote ourselves in the area and we are getting a lot of interest and seeing a lot more people around."

Mrs Marston said a highlight to look forward to during the championships was a night of entertainment from Mike King. A three-course meal and a complementary glass of wine will be included in a planned show at the Powerhouse.

While other cafes hire managers, Mrs Marston believed their point of difference was that Mr Marston and herself liked to greet their customers personally.

"We like to meet and get to know them."

They also hoped customers would appreciate their new gluten-free range.

"Sometimes gluten-free is not as tasty as other options but we have worked really hard to change that."

The selection included gluten-free cakes and slices, as well as breakfast items like corn fritters and bacon.

Together the couple have seven children, aged between nine and 29.

Before buying the the Boat Shed the Marstons had owned and operated Excel Catering in the Waikato for seven years.

"We focus on the flavours and we always have fresh hand-picked food."

Stacey Oliver is a Wintec journalism student.

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