Then, the former Auckland man was new to Wanaka and the cafe business. He had opened the doors just four weeks earlier and was keen to get stuck in over the busy Christmas period.
The fire was a tough introduction to business but now Mr Parfitt is celebrating his reopening, following extensive repairs to the Helwick St building and an interior refit.
"I am really optimistic. Wanaka is a great community. There was lots of support when we reopened - a lot of people wishing me luck and welcoming me back. It is all good.
"To tell you the truth, I was gutted [about the fire]. But there was nothing that could be done but carry on.
"Everything panned out, including with insurance," Mr Parfitt said yesterday.
The rebuilding process struck minor delays as insurance assessors were run off their feet dealing with Christchurch earthquake issues.
Mr Parfitt enjoyed his unexpected summer break as much as possible, taking to the hills on his mountain bike, getting to know the community and planning the reopening of the cafe and bar.
His dream of using locally grown, fresh food is back on track, and planters filled with sprouts, herbs and chillies line windows inside the restaurant.
There are plans for a greenhouse and vegetable garden outside the restaurant, too.
Head chef Selena McCulloch said she cried in the street the day the cafe burned down.
"My oven was full of brownies. I was really gutted, because we had had a full Saturday the day before and all the ladies from Wanaka had been in," she said.
But over the last six months, the cafe staff had formed a "little family" while planning for reopening, she said.
"People come in here and say if feels really different and I say it's because it's full of love.
Everyone is happy and smiling ... It has been really great having all the people of Wanaka supporting us," Mrs McCulloch said.
