In an economy in which the hospitality sector faces intense challenges, Taupō’s The Cozy Corner has emerged as a standout example of resilience, inclusivity, and community focus. Owner Camilla Baker has turned her café into more than a place for food and drink, rather it’s a trusted space where wellness, careful ingredient choices, and exceptional service come together.
At the core of The Cozy Corner’s offering is an ingredient-conscious menu designed to cater to all dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, keto, and other specialised diets. Guests can enjoy old-school table service and know they will be treated with care and respect.
“Unless you have dietary requirements limiting your food and drink, it can be hard to understand how important it is to feel supported in choosing what to eat,” Camilla says. “We learn from our guests, listen to their stories and feedback, and build trust through consistency and empathy. That trust is everything.”
The café’s beverage offering is equally ambitious, featuring over 24 fresh smoothies and juices, 25+ loose-leaf teas, adaptogenic herbal lattes, and a specialty coffee menu with four beans tailored to the brew. Its licensed bar serves only New Zealand-made alcohol, further emphasising the café’s commitment to local suppliers and quality ingredients.
Staff culture and retention
The Cozy Corner’s ethos extends beyond its menu to its team, which has maintained 100 percent staff retention over several years, a rare feat in the hospitality sector.
“Our staff are our greatest assets. They are treated with respect, upskilled, given flexibility, and supported in their growth. They are proud to be part of the café, and that pride drives both service quality and customer loyalty.”
This culture is a reflection of the café’s broader values-driven approach, summed up in its guiding principle: “Be the change: Values first, profit will follow.” For Camilla, this means embedding sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement into every aspect of the business.
Like many small businesses, The Cozy Corner has faced challenges over recent years. Camilla says that 2025 has been particularly testing for the sector, with tighter consumer spending and increased operational pressures.
“We approach these challenges with empathy. We’ve frozen prices where possible, looked for efficiencies, and focused our advertising budget on supporting local community initiatives rather than traditional marketing. This approach builds goodwill, spreads our reputation of care, and ultimately attracts new customers.”
Camilla has created a relaxed and comfortable environment in the heart of Taupō.
Recognition and reflection
Being named a finalist in The David Awards for Most Outstanding Established Business and the Special Judges Award has offered Camilla a chance to reflect on the café’s journey.
“Award entries are a great opportunity to sit down and assess everything about your business, what works, what can improve, and where you want to go next. It’s a lot of work, but the process is invaluable.”
For The Cozy Corner, the recognition also validates the café’s commitment to community, inclusivity, and wellness, qualities that continue to set it apart in Taupō’s hospitality landscape.
Camilla’s immediate focus includes growing the café’s external catering services, building on the expansion prompted by changing dining behaviours post-COVID. At the same time, the café continues to prioritise its inclusive menu, sustainability initiatives, and team development.
“Exceptional service drives loyalty and profit. By sticking to our values, we’ve built a business that is sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful. That’s the Cozy Corner difference, and why our guests, team, and community continue to support us.”
This article was originally published in the October 2025 issue of NZBusiness, read it here.
The Cozy Corner won Most Outstanding Established Business and a Special Judges Award at The David Awards 2025. The judges’ said of the entry: “With exceptional results across broad metrics, in a difficult market, a highly challenged industry and a regional location, The Cozy Corner shines.”
If you think your small business has what it takes to enter and win, entries for the 2026 The David Awards are free and can be submitted here.
