Within a week, Justin Woodrow has gone from losing his job to calling the shots at the Macandrew Bay cafe — set to reopen next Tuesday.
Mr Woodrow, the cafe’s head chef of about three years, stepped in as owner after now former owner Emma Strybosch last week made the "heartbreaking" decision to close the establishment.
His new title was yet to fully sink in, Mr Woodrow said.
"I just fell in love with this place the first time I walked into it."
He hoped everyone would be happy about, and supportive of, the cafe’s return.
"People definitely want a place out here as a wee local community hub.
"There’s definitely been a big space left empty for the last week, that’s for sure."
The cafe last week announced on social media it would be closed "for the foreseeable future".
Ms Strybosch attributed her decision to tough economic conditions, particularly over the past four months.
Mr Woodrow said the situation meant he and the rest of The Duck’s staff initially lost their jobs.
"That was definitely a rollercoaster for a few of them.
"Everyone is really happy and, because I’ve been here working with them for the last three years, they know what to expect.
"It’s not just a whole new person coming in to change their lives."
When the opportunity came up to take over the lease, Mr Woodrow jumped at it, he said.
Most of the staff were staying on, and he would retain his role of head chef, too.
"For the most part, with all of the familiar faces out front, it will feel same as it always has for the customer."
He had also for the past month been running a new mobile catering business, Just Cooks, selling mainly toasted sandwiches out of a food truck.
He planned to run the food truck out of the cafe’s kitchen, while operating the cafe.
The Duck would retain its name, Mr Woodrow said.
"I really want to honour everything Emma has built here and continue moving it forwards."
