Port Macquarie News

Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome

Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome
Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome

In partnership with Bandwagon Cafe.

One of Port Macquarie's favourite eateries, Bandwagon Café, has changed hands and the new owners would like to invite you to drop by.

Growing up in a Croatian family, food and hospitality have always been a big part of Bisika Wade's culture. Not only does she have a passion for beautiful cuisines, she also believes it is important to make your guests feel welcomed.

This philosophy has formed her and husband James' approach to business.

Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome
Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome

Since the former Sydney-siders took over the much loved Bandwagon Café in July, they have worked hard to put their own unique stamp on it, working on a high level of customer service and hospitality.

"We're big believers in the idea that everything happens for a reason and from the moment we saw the cafe, we knew that this was our destiny," Bisika said.

"Bandwagon feels like home now. I don't know how else to describe it. It's in our blood. It's embedded in our soul."

Scrumptious, substantial, nutritious food and excellent coffee are the hallmarks of an exceptional café and Bandwagon Café, has a proven dedication to great food and a terrific brew - something the Wades hope to build upon.

The couple have spent the last six months working through the transition with their team and say they couldn't be happier with the results.

You will be greeted by Bisika and her amazing Front of House staff like Jessie and Amy who have a passion not only for hospitality but also ensuring that everyone has an experience to remember.

"As one of our reviewers recently wrote: 'it looks like everyone really enjoys working there and the service was amazing.' That's music to my soul," Bisika says.

Their new head chef Addison Binns has the kitchen running like clockwork, with every meal that comes out of it meeting his exceptionally high standards. His great team, Zac, Teddy and Liam all work closely together. They are a young exciting team bringing passion and dedication to their craft.

Addison and his team also exclusively use high quality produce that is 100 per cent locally sourced from within the region.

Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome
Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome

He is currently putting together a new menu, which will be launched early in the new year. But fear not, the favourites like Bandwagon Benny and waffles will remain with some new twists.

There has been a concerted effort concentrating on the coffee and how best to improve the already winning formula to ensure that Bandwagon remains the hottest coffee destination in Port Macquarie.

The team is headed up by talented Head Barista Kyle who, along with his team Toni and Sophie, exude a passion for what they do. For Kyle and his team its about consistency, quality and a dedication to produce the best brew in Port.

He has been responsible for ensuring the training and quality remains constant whilst also focusing on new trends and better ways to produce that liquid gold.

Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome
Scrumptious food, excellent coffee and a warm welcome

Since moving to Port Macquarie, the Wades have fast become fixtures of the community that they now call home.

With the COVID-19 restrictions easing, they plan to step up their support for local causes and ensure that Bandwagon retains its original heritage with a new and renewed energy.

Bandwagon Café is open from 7am to 3pm seven days a week