The new owners of Palmerston North’s four Streetwise coffee carts are no strangers to the trade.
Andrea and Jarrod Rider, local farmers and owners of the Shannon Streetwise Coffee cart for the past two years, have partnered with Kim Thomas, who has managed the four franchises for the past eight years.
The trio have taken over from Rod and Sharon Te Whatu, who launched the city’s first Streetwise 15 years ago before adding three more carts to the enterprise.
Rod Te Whatu, who had become Streetwise’s longest-working barista, praised Thomas’ contribution when he spoke with Stuff in May about selling up.
Open-heart surgery in 2021 led him to reevaluate his priorities in life and he decided he didn’t want to be working as much as he was.
The new trio in charge planned to preserve the spirit and quality that defined Streetwise Coffee, a press release stated, while continuing to build on Palmerston North’s friendly coffee culture.
“Jarrod and I were born and raised in Palmy, so taking ownership of the popular Streetwise Coffee carts here is a very surreal (and slightly crazy) moment for us,” Andrea Rider said.
“We’re stoked to be partnering with Kim; she’s a significant part of the success here in Palmy, not to mention a friendly face to our loyal customers.”
Rod Te Whatu, an avid road cyclist, was looking forward to having more time to return to the mountain-biking trails.
Streetwise Coffee directors Donna Ferrall and Jol Glover acknowledged his and Sharon’s efforts, expanding the business from one cart to four, and becoming the largest multi-cart franchise among Streetwise Coffee’s 24 carts across New Zealand.
Their friendly and positive nature would be missed, they said.
