A small container café in the Northland town of Mangawhai turned heads when it put up a sign announcing that, in one week’s time, the café would no longer serve any animal products.
“This will be the last week we shall be buying, steaming and pouring cows’ milk into our espressos,” the sign read. “Our intention is to make veganism delicious, convenient and accessible.” The sign also noted that while the café had nothing against the ethical treatment of animals, it was not legally allowed to supply raw milk with coffee.
“It was a personal choice,” explained Cool Beans Café owner Morgan Redfern, a long-time vegan. “I couldn’t, in good conscience, go on serving milk knowing the damage that the dairy industry causes to the land and the animals.”
The mechanics of the swap weren’t difficult. Cool Beans already offered a wide range of plant-based milks, and as a small café with a limited menu, the only thing that needed swapping out was the cheese in the toasties. It has now been replaced with Angel Foods cheddar. Plant-based sausage rolls have also joined the line-up, and Redfern was supported in the shift by the team behind Nice Blocks.
“There were a few people who complained when I first announced it,” he said. “As a rural town with a strong dairy background, I was expecting it. You go to a big city and you see plant-based cafés all over the place, but it’s different in a small town.”
However, for every detractor, there were ten supporters, and Redfern was pleased with the response both online and in person. Since then he has also introduced paper straws and a mug library to reduce cup waste.
“This change posed its challenges, but this weekend showed me that I really couldn’t ask for a more supportive town and wider community. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the brave souls jumping out of their comfort zones and trying the mammoth selection of plant milks.”
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