Riverslea Mall at Edgecumbe is enjoying a revitalisation with new businesses choosing to make it their home. Beaconreporter Tamara Herdman is profiling some of the mall’s newly opened and expanding businesses and this week, she meets Ali and Gareth Edwards from Manna Cafe.

After three and a half years of quietly serving up home-baked goodness with a side of heart, Manna Café in Edgecumbe has taken a big step forward – opening a new space behind the current café that owners Ali and Gareth Edwards say reflects the welcoming, faith-inspired community vibe they’ve always envisioned.

“We just love Jesus - that’s who we are. We’re not a church; the whole idea is to normalise Christianity in a café setting. Come chill out, enjoy, relax,” Mrs Edwards said.

The large new space is also available to hire for birthday parties, group bookings, Christmas functions, and will soon be hosting high teas.  Manna Café also offers custom cakes and catering - including pick-up platters for local businesses.

There's a separate quiet room complete with couches and a small library where anyone having a rough day can just sit, breathe, and be.

It’s a place for connection, creativity, and comfort, and it seems the community is catching on. Business at Manna Café has doubled in the past six months, with more people not only passing through, but making the café a destination.

“We’ve had people ride in from Tauranga, and motorbike groups come through saying, ‘We heard about you guys and wanted to check it out,” Mr Edwards said. “It’s started to become more than just a drive through stop; it’s a destination experience.”

“We wanted to create a hub - somewhere people can gather, hold events, or just find some peace,” said Mrs Edwards, a qualified chef and professional cake decorator who’s spent most of her life working in hospitality.

True to its name, Manna Café serves up food with biblical inspiration. Their most popular dish is the Ezekiel bread platter, topped with salmon, cream cheese, and avocado - a nod to the wholesome bread described in the Book of Ezekiel.

The Ezekiel bread is made locally by Caterina Murphy of Yiayia’s Little Kitchen, reflecting the café’s focus on supporting local and using quality ingredients.

“We’ve also got rye, sourdough, Turkish and Artos - which is Greek for ‘bread of life’, and of course all our cabinet food - everything is homemade.”

Mr Edwards, an electrician by trade, has temporarily put his business on hold to help hs wife run the café full-time. “It’s a lot of work, but the benefits are great,” he said. “We love what we do, and our staff are awesome—we’re really grateful for them.”

The café’s antique themed décor has been lovingly pieced together over time, with furniture and items donated by generous locals. “We’ve had beautiful people give us things - it’s a reflection of how kind this community is,” said Mrs Edwards.

Originally from Taupō (Ali) and South Africa (Gareth), the couple says Edgecumbe has become home in the truest sense. “When we first opened up, we didn’t know anyone,” Mrs Edwards said. “Now it feels like we’ve got this extended family.”

Open weekdays from 8am-2pm, Manna Café now opens Saturdays from 9am-2pm too.

“We just want people to know we’re here,” Mr Edwards said. “Edgecumbe is still alive and growing - and we’re proud to be a part of that.”

You’ll find them on the Bridge Street side of Riverslea Mall in Edgecumbe, or follow them on Facebook at @Manna Café to see what’s on - from new menu items to upcoming high teas.

BREWING BLESSINGS: Ali Edwards in her element at Manna Café, Bridge Street side of Riverslea Mall, Edgecumbe. Photo by Kerry-Anne Photography.