Hayes Common and Weave Eatery, Hamilton

Lisa Quarrie is the owner/operator of two busy Waikato eateries. She won the Supreme Individual award at the 2023 Waikato Hospitality Awards and is also the newly appointed Restaurant Association Branch president for the Mighty Waikato.

We asked Lisa 7 questions to get to know her a bit better; her background and how she came to hospitality, her achievements, and contributions to our hospitality community…

My husband Brent and I moved to Hamilton seventeen years ago to open our first cafe on the main road. We ran that for nine years before an opportunity to take on our own local cafe came up. In 2016 we opened Hayes Common in Hamilton East after completing a full renovation on the heritage site.

Our vision was to create a local community hub in the heart of Hayes Paddock, which is a much-loved neighbourhood close to the river and city. We work with local businesses as much as we can to showcase all the wonderful products and produce on offer in the Waikato, and always have our community at the core of what we do. In 2020, we were asked to look at a site in Ruakura at a business park, and following the first round of COVID, we decided to diversify and open a second site, Weave, where the community was still a driver but also opened up more catering and events opportunities. With both sites we try to minimise our impact by being mindful of our waste, recycling what we can, and eliminating single-use plastic (Hayes Common and Weave are both part of the Association’s Kai Keepers food waste pilot. Find out more at www.kaikeepers.org).

What made you decide to go into the industry?

I always loved food, cooking, entertaining… I fell into kitchen work at age 16 and always had a job that revolved around food. Having worked in kitchens throughout completing a university degree, I just felt more at home in the hospitality space than anywhere else. I met my husband while working together in Kingsland, and we knew we wanted to open something together. After we were married, we moved to Hamilton to open a small cafe with just two staff, no financial backing, and a whole lot of belief in our ability to work hard. Luckily it paid off!

What inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by nature, by the ability of things/people/nature/ideas to thrive under challenging circumstances. I love colour, travel, and music. In terms of food, I have always loved spice, big flavours, and colourful plates that are loaded with texture and flavour.

Hayes Common Cafe Hamilton

Hayes Common Cafe Hamilton

Lisa @ Hayes Common Cafe Hamilton

Lisa and husband Brent

Lisa @ Hayes Common Cafe Hamilton

Weave Cafe, Hamilton

Weave Cafe, Hamilton

Hayes Common Cafe Hamilton

What do you love about the industry?

I love that it’s constantly evolving. Hospitality brings together people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. It pushes you to constantly challenge yourself and evolve. Our local industry here in Waikato is growing and diversifying in such an exciting way, with so many new places opening and offering exceptional local food and service. It’s exciting watching it grow and develop.

What is the secret to your success?

I was lucky to be brought up believing nothing was impossible.  My parents ran their own photography business, and I think it instilled a strong ‘can do’ attitude and to reach for your dreams. I am super stubborn! My husband and I are a great team, we lean on each other a lot, but I think learning to let go a little and surround ourselves with great people was the best thing we ever did. We have a wonderful team, and over the years many amazing people have helped bring our vision to life.

What one piece of advice would you give to others in the industry?

Start small, but dream big. Build something authentic. Knowing all the facets of your business is exhausting but so rewarding and will put you in good stead. Also – invest in your team and the people around you. You can’t do it all in this industry, and the right people will bring so much to your business.

Which restaurants are on your dining bucket list (kiwi & international)?

So many! With two businesses and kids, eating out doesn’t happen as much as we’d like… Kika and Koji in Wellington, Candela and Advieh in Auckland, Embra in Taupo, and locally I haven’t dined at The Green or Palate’s new incarnation by Sky City.

What do you do to relax / in your spare time?

I love to move. I walk my dog Maisy, practice yoga, and dance when I can. I also listen to podcasts. Brent has a great garden, and I’d love to get into it a bit more.

Find out more:

Weave, 3 Melody Lane, Hamilton East, Hamilton. weaveeatery.co.nz

Hayes Common, 33 Jellicoe Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton. hayescommon.co.nz