The decision to set up Grind cafe two years ago in the then relatively unproven location was a strategic business move, owner Ben Owens said.
Glenda Dr was a fast-growing business area and the resultant local clientele, he hoped, would mean his business would be more immune to the fluctuations of the tourist market than if he was located in central Queenstown.
Setting up out of the central business district also meant cheaper rent, he added.
And the move had paid off.
"We've got a sustainable market out here with the locals."
Instead of the three years he expected it to take to achieve a loyal customer base, it had taken just two.
And what started as pretty much a one-man operation had grown to eight staff, including Mr Owens, in summer, dropping to four in winter.
"The business development [area] we're in was only 10% full when we moved in; now, it's 90% full.
"When I saw the [adjacent] Bungy headquarters go in, it gave me faith in my decision."
The cafe had also become a popular haunt for a few of the movers and shakers around town (no names mentioned) who like to meet for a quiet business lunch, Mr Owens said.
The free, easy parking option combined with the view the sunny cafe terrace offered high above the Shotover River had also proved popular, not only with the lunch-time working crowd, but also with the leisure market.
"We attract a lot of people from Lake Hayes Estate and Kelvin Heights," he said.
The secret to a successful lunch cafe was "really, really good coffee, good service and being adaptable", he said.
It was also critical to know customers' names and their favourite coffee order and to make them feel at home.
That was where Allen, the resident cafe cat, had proved a popular member of the team, adding a homely touch for customers, especially the younger ones, who were welcomed at the cafe.
"He was a stray when he arrived, then we realised he was a good thing to have around, so he stayed."
But although the leisure crowd had time to linger over lunch, workers often had only half an hour, so being fast and efficient was an essential part of the service, Mr Owens said..
"You've also got to move with the customers and the market and be willing to change."
Having a liquor licence meant they could stay open late on Friday night to serve drinks and nibbles for Glenda Dr workers looking for an end-of-the-week catch-up without having to drive into town and find a park.
"We rely a lot on word of mouth with our local customers. It's been great in that it means you have to keep standards up."
