Today, in an exciting development that promises to enhance guest experience, Bike Glendhu is proud to announce its acquisition of Velo Café & Beer Garden, the beloved food and beverage establishment located within the park premises. This strategic move not only solidifies Bike Glendhu’s commitment to creating an all-encompassing activities business, but also fosters a stronger sense of community and camaraderie amongst its loyal fans.
Known for its world-class trails for all levels, epic views and vibrant base atmosphere, over the last four years, Bike Glendhu has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skills. The acquisition of Velo Café & Beer Garden marks a new chapter for the park’s management team and staff, further establishing Bike Glendhu as a destination that transcends traditional outdoor recreation and tourism activities.
Owned and operated by Soup Street Kitchen (parent company of Dripping Bowl Café in Wanaka) for the last 3.5 years, Velo Café has long been adored by park loyalists and visitors alike. Boasting a warm and inviting ambiance at Base 334, Velo is the perfect spot for park-goers to unwind and socialize after an exhilarating day on the trails. The café offers a range of delicious, wholesome meals, fuelling snacks and locally crafted beverages, while the beer garden is an awesome space for guests to gather, share tall tales and celebrate good times.
“It’s been a wild ride these past few years and we’re very grateful to have had Jesse (Herbert) and Evelyn (Vallillee) from Soup Street Kitchen taking ownership of the hospitality space at Bike Glendhu,” says Charles Cochrane, Managing Director at Bike Glendhu. “We’re thrilled to now bring Velo Café under the Bike Glendhu umbrella as we embark on the next chapter. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of the park and we’re looking forward to launching Velo Café & Beer Garden under new ownership this coming 2023.24 season.”
As part of this expansion, Bike Glendhu is also announcing that it is actively seeking a new Hospitality Manager to oversee the operation of Velo Café. The park is looking for an individual who shares its passion for providing a world-class experience, as well as high quality food and drink offerings and excellent guest service within the park’s dynamic environment. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced hospitality professional to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of an epic start-up company. Interested parties should visit the Careers page of the Bike Glendhu website for information on how to apply.
Bike Glendhu is anticipating opening for the 2023.24 season on September 15, 2023, weather pending. The official relaunch of Velo Café & Beer Garden is set for October 21, 2023 with the aim of creating a seamless transition of ownership and management. Bike Glendhu is committed to keeping riders and the wider public informed of developments as they unfold and will be using their various marketing channels to set guests’ expectations in terms of the availability of food and beverage at the park prior to Velo’s official relaunch on October 21.
As Bike Glendhu grows as a business, this acquisition serves as a testament to the park’s dedication to providing a well-rounded, cohesive experience for all guests. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a casual visitor or simply someone that appreciates good food and drink in an incredible setting, the new union of Bike Glendhu and Velo Café & Beer Garden promises an epic day out this bike season.
