Nutritional Information
Cafe Profile: The Block Cafe
The Block is a family owned business in the heart of Blockhouse Bay Village. It’s known for its amazing coffee, extensive menu and warm and friendly environment. The Block was founded over 10 years ago and acquired by Neha Minhas, 3 years ago when she was 21 years old.
In Neha’s words “The Block takes a lot of pride in its coffee, because we don’t compromise on the quality. That’s why the locals have been loyal for years - we have built such a warm connection with our customers”.
The Block is not only known for its menu and coffee, but also its hardwood interior and exterior, with a touch of a modern Kiwi twist. The café used to be a hardware store many years ago, with the architecture being purely built by hand – you can truly indulge in a homely Kiwiana experience!
What is your most popular dish?
Our Plate sized Hash Brown is a local favourite and definitely a staple on our menu, as it’s one of the most authentic dishes! It has a blend and balance of perfect flavours, while being so crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This dish has been on the menu before we acquired the café, all we have done is amplified it more, more and more, to make it what it is today!
What is your pick off the menu?
The Corn, Coriander & Capsicum Fritters! This is such a versatile dish, you can pair it with so many other elements, meats and seafood! Another staple on the menu for our locals!
How has the Goodman Fielder Provided ‘Juggler’ helped the café?
A Juggler is a chilled milk dispensing system designed for cafes that speeds up service and reduces milk and plastic waste.
The best part of having a Juggler in the café business is the control over wastage and having more surety that the milk will be of high quality. The control over wastage was essential to us during the covid-19 lockdown because we could only use the amount of milk required, rather than opening bottles and bottles of milk bottles for only a few cups of coffee orders. Hence, we only used the milk we needed and our resources were used wisely – super
lifechanging for us!
Plus, the convenience of not needing to open so many plastic bottles and adding to waste, is so great. The milk bladders are so convenient because we will always have fresh milk whenever we want and every time we want. It’s great for sustainability and reduces our labour too.
What is your favourite Goodman Fielder Product?
The Alternative Dairy Company Milk! Especially the almond and oat milk. I have not tasted any better alternative milk. The taste and texture of it when we froth the milk, is unreal. The Meadow Fresh milk range is also a very close one, the quality has improved so much and it’s creamy texture in our freak shakes is always complimented by our customers – it even went viral on TikTok!
Why would you recommend Goodman Fielder Food Service as a supplier, to others in the hospitality business?
Definitely due to the product quality and range. However, the best thing is the service. Despite Goodman Fielder being a big and established company, you never fail to involve and include us. There’s always a rep looking out for us, who are so prompt, hardworking and add a personal touch. The reps and staff go out of their way to meet our demands and needs.
Any tips for anyone who wants to open a cafe?
Ensure that you know how to do each, and every, job. You must get out on the floor and be able to do any task. You will not know how to improve the café, the culture and the processes without understanding how a café runs. Your staff needs to feel understood, and for that you must understand all the processes. You can only improve when you’ve given it a go.