In the last eight years, Ampersand has been the go-to for quick coffees, breakfast meetings, family lunches and date night dinners.
With its high ceilings, neutral colour aesthetic and open seating, the space moulds to fit the feel of its environment. And tying it all together, is the music.
“The really special part of Ampersand is that when you’re there, you’re in a little bubble away from the rest of the world,” said co-founder Amanda Rogers.
We change the music to fit the world outside. So, on a rainy day, you get to huddle up inside with moody tunes. When it’s bright and sunny, the playlist will change to give you a subtle dopamine hit.
Having the right vibe is the priority for Rogers and the team, and it’s what has cemented them as an Ōrākei staple among the locals. They’re open seven days a week and as Rogers puts it, they are part of the locals’ habits.
“People will often stop by on their walks around the Basin. Many come here with their laptops to work in a cozy nook, and still others swear by the coffee that Espresso Workshop, our on-site baristas, create.”
With a variety of customers flowing through the doors, the staff are always looking to match the music to the clientele. This is why it was important for Ampersand Eatery to obtain a music licence through OneMusic, so they could serve customers in every aspect of the ambience.
Their relationship with OneMusic began when the team at Espresso Workshop suggested it to them as a young business.
“Getting to know OneMusic over the years, we realised they really cared about the artists and how getting licensed to play music helps them. That was important to us as a business,” said Rogers.
As a OneMusic-licensed venue, the team have the freedom to curate their special ambient playlists with a mix of tunes.
"They’re trained now to gauge the crowd and adjust the music based on those vibes!” said Rogers.
It’s this intuitive team that is the soul of Ampersand. Over the years, they’ve seen staff turnover like any other business. But amidst it are the “solid rocks” who have helped make the Eatery a home.
“We wouldn’t be anywhere without the team,” she said.
“We’re lucky to have people who see customer service as a priority. They are kind, hospitable and courageous no matter what is thrown at them. You can’t teach that.”
She said there now is a symbiotic relationship between staff and customers. Sometimes they even have customers give them ideas on what they would like to have on the menu. And every now and then, those ideas manifest into delicious dishes.
“The customers have been so great to us,” said Rogers.
“They welcomed us into the Ōrākei community with open arms and support, and we want to give back in whatever way we can.
At the end of the day, it’s all about building trust with your customers. We want to make it work for them. And whether that is through food, service, or music, we are there for them.
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