Rushworth

I moved to Auckland from a small town a few years ago and quickly found a home at Rushworth. I worked here for just over a year (a few years ago now) and here are some things that have stuck with me: James is the owner. He would welcome me every morning with genuine interest in how life was going. He would work alongside us when it was busy and was never too important to take out the trash. James has a huge heart and it was emphasised in many situations. A young family came into the shop one day and were clearly tired, their young child was upset that there were no sausage rolls on the menu, James quietly passed me $10 from the till and asked me to run across the road and get one for the young boy and take it to their table. That is the kind of person he is. It is tough to describe Salama with words. I was in awe of her work ethic from the day that I met her. She was always the first there and last to leave. Salama is sunshine in human form and has an unmatched vibrancy regardless of how tired she must be. She also had a genuine interest in how I was doing. Salama was full of positive feedback and was always so uplifting. She had a constant curiosity about how to make things better. She remembered each of our birthdays and would bring a gift. It was such a pleasure to work alongside her. I think what stood out to me the most, is that I left abruptly and somewhat unexpectedly due to my own personal circumstances. A few months later my Mum passed away, without any contact, Rushworth graciously contributed to the givealittle page for her funeral experiences and I received messages from both James and Salama checking in with me. So, yeah, maybe other places in Auckland offer better food or better coffee, but I can guarantee to you that you will not find better, more genuine people with bigger hearts. That is what makes Rushworth so special and the experience unparalleled.

Great views, nice staff. Have to order at the till which meant we had to get out of the way every time a meal or coffee went out, but that’s the only negative thing. Great toastie with generous amounts of cheese. Fresh avo on the smashed avo on toast not the terrible packet stuff. Salmon bagel was perfectly toasted and not skimpy with the cream cheese. Good coffee too!