New Ownership at Streetwise Coffee in Palmerston North

New owners Andrea and Jarrod (not pictured) Rider and Kim Thomas.

Palmerston North is abuzz as the ownership of the local Streetwise Coffee franchise transitions into the capable hands of locals Andrea and Jarrod Rider, alongside the seasoned expertise of Kim Thomas.

For an impressive 15 years, legends Rod and Sharon Te Whatu steered Streetwise Coffee in Palmerston North, serving early morning pick-me-ups and midday boosts to hundreds of customers every day, 364 days of the year.

Streetwise Coffee Directors Donna Ferrall and Jol Glover acknowledge their efforts, expanding the business from one cart to four, becoming the largest multi-cart franchise among Streetwise Coffee’s 24 carts across New Zealand. Ferrall also expresses pride in their commitment to valued and loyal customers.

As Rod and Sharon venture into new pursuits, their friendly and positive nature will be missed. Rod, an avid road cyclist, says he’s looking forward to returning to the mountain biking trails. Meanwhile, new ownership is already underway with the experienced leadership of Andrea Rider and Kim Thomas.

Andrea and Jarrod, local farmers and owners of the Shannon Streetwise Coffee cart for the last two years, have partnered with Kim Thomas, a friendly and familiar face who has successfully managed the Palmy carts for the past eight years. Kim has also been an integral part of serving great coffees at the Main Street cart.

Expressing her excitement, Andrea says, ‘Jarrod and I were born and raised in Palmy, so taking ownership of the popular Streetwise Coffee carts here is a very surreal (and slightly crazy) moment for us. We’re stoked to be partnering with Kim; she’s a significant part of the success here in Palmy not to mention a friendly face to our loyal customers. Come down and say hi!’

This new trio plan to preserve the spirit and quality that defines Streetwise Coffee, while continuing to build on the friendly coffee culture Palmy knows and loves.