Few people realise their true passion in their lifetimes but Trish and Alastair Rodwell have certainly found their calling making their famous cheesecakes. With a great deal of tenacity and determination, Trish and Alastair are realizing their dream – owning a successful business.
As a qualified Pattisserie chef Trish was known as a great cook among family and friends, but wanting to “give it a go” the couple started their plans. After saving for three years and working two jobs each the couple with their two small children Christopher and Courtney opened their doors with a deficit in their bank account and all their savings riding on the dream of success .The small shop was situated on the main street in the quaint town of Woodville. Friends and family were dubious at their choice of location at first but the couples belief and love of the area seen their instincts stand them in good stead .Initially set up as a wholesaler Trish and Alastair supplied local café’s and restaurants and soon realised the opportunity in providing their product to the retail trade.
In 2006,Abbigail the couples third child arrived and Alastair soon had to learn the art of using the wooden spoon and a killer customer service smile he gave up his full time job as a mechanical engineer and from then their business has seen phenomenal growth and expansion. The couple soon out-grew their original little shop and moved to a corner site placed on the Main Highway in Woodville with better visibility and more space for growth, including the addition of other baked goods including slices ,pastries ,pies and a large gluten free range of products. The early years were extremely lean and sometimes very difficult. with Trish and Alastair often working 16-hour days juggling the care of their three young children going to work until late in the evenings just to get the cheesecake orders made and processed.
With a strong customer base Trish and Alastair soon realised the need for a online ordering system and delivery service and started overnight deliveries in early 2007,this marked the beginning of the most creative and productive period of their business to date. With their new and improved shop, Trish and Alastair working together were able to create over 20 varieties of cheesecakes and other gourmet products. In early 2010 they have since opened their second retail store in the Wellington which has lead to further growth and research into setting up and running a store’s remotely from their main business. Their tireless efforts, commitment to quality and innovative product development has laid the way for more brand named stores and a greater market presence.
Now with an ever growing demand for their product , Trish and Alastair have seen the need for a larger manufacturing plant and have invested in a off-site production kitchen with Alastair and staff still handmaking the cheesecakes and Trish creating the in store experience for customers that they find hard to forget – daily taste testings, inventive cheesecake flavours including flavours based to seasonal ingredients, celebrations and special occassions, slices, cakes, pastries and pies all made fresh with quality ingredients and served in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Where to now….well the Rodwell’s are now looking to expand their wholesale customer database ,making the product available in delicatessens nationwide.
Watch this space everyone the couple are just beginning their dream of creating the best cheesecake experience you are ever likely to find.
We aim to be the best cheesecake experience that you will have by providing fast, fun and friendly service that is trusted to have a consistent and high quality product.