By TOM HUNT - The Dominion Post - 31/05/2010 
Ten months to the day since Maranui Cafe was gutted by fire, it's set to open again.
The Lyall Bay cafe re-opens to the public tomorrow after having a trial run for invited guests yesterday.
Largely rebuilt to its pre-fire state, the cafe has had a few improvements, such as sound baffling and a rejigged
kitchen. It now seats about 100 people.
The beach-side venue, which was gutted in the August 1, 2009 blaze, has been rebuilt featuring some of the charred
remains - such as oars - from the fire.
Holly Parker, who had her first day of work at the cafe yesterday, said the trial run went smoothly.
"It's looking like a really cool place to work," she said.
Co-owner Matt Wilson aimed to get all the staff rostered to work on the day the cafe burnt down back for tomorrow's
opening shift.
This included former waitress Gemma Toothill who flew back from Australia, where she now lives, just for the
opening day. "It will be great to have the Maranui family back together," Mr Wilson said.
Maranui Surf Life Saving Club, which owns the building, is also due to move back in, though it has been doing plenty
of lifesaving activities in the interim.
Wellington City Council gave $350,000 toward the rebuilding.
Another of Mr Wilson and Katie Richardson's eateries, Deluxe Cafe on Kent Tce, has been temporarily closed for
earthquake strengthening of the Embassy Theatre building, in which it is housed.
It was to be shut during the New Zealand International Film Festival in Wellington next month but the date was
moved forward. Mr Wilson said the timing meant some Deluxe staff were able to be employed temporarily at
Maranui.

photo: ROSS GIBLIN - Dominion Post

JUST 2 WEEKS TO GO...

Maranui Cafe will be re-opening to the public on the 1st of June! Come and check out the new decor and order some of your old favourites!

Above: Bronwyn and Matt with the builders.  Photo by Sherry-Ann Burke.

Building work on the Cafe and Surf Club is progressing well...

Photo by Sherry-Ann Burke