GATHER

MEDIA RELEASE

 GATHER EATERY

 A Space for You

• August 4th 2025 - soft opening - walk in's only

  Ripe Deli Launches Gather: A New Eatery at Smales Farm

    The team behind Auckland’s beloved Ripe Deli is opening the doors to a bold new venture – Gather, an architecturally designed glasshouse café opening at Smales Farm, Takapuna in early August.

  
  

  This fresh, light-filled eatery offers breakfast and lunch seven days a week, along with private event bookings – all in a space designed to bring people together. With its seasonal, flavour-packed menu, warm service, and relaxed atmosphere, Gather is about taking time to connect, indulge, and enjoy the simple pleasures.

  
  

  “After 24 years of running Ripe Deli, the team at Smales Farm offered us the opportunity to try something new and set up a dine in eatery” says Ripe founder Angela Redfern. “We’re excited to offer the same incredible food and service we’re known for, but in a venue where customers are invited to sit down and enjoy, not takeaway.”

  
  

  Gather is a proud new chapter in the Ripe story. Ange and partner Greg Snelgrove have given long-time Ripe team members Gemma Heffernan (General Manager) and Patrick Schmitt (Executive Chef) the opportunity to take the reins of the new venture. With decades of hospitality experience between them, Gemma and Patrick are bringing heart, soul, and serious flavour to the new eatery.

  “Our vision is simple: exceptional food and drinks, served in a space that feels both special and comfortable,” says Patrick.

  
  

  Designed by architectural studio Izzard, the new space is wrapped in recycled French brick and features expansive red scoria glass windows. Inside, Jonathan Goss (Ellegard/Goss) and Ripe’s creative director Amy Melchior have transformed the interior into a space that’s both beautiful and inviting, with handcrafted details, natural textures and cosy nooks that make you want to stay a while.

  
  

  Gather’s menu will reflect Ripe’s signature approach to food – seasonal, nourishing, and full of flavour – served alongside expertly brewed coffee roasted by Ozone, smoothies, and a curated list of local wines and beers.

  
  

  “Our goal is to create a beautiful, welcoming space where everyone feels catered for, and where both the food and atmosphere reflect the very best of what we love about this industry,” says Gemma. “Gather is really about taking a moment from your day and giving yourself time to enjoy the simple pleasures. And yes, dogs are welcome too.”

  Gather Eatery Opening 4th August at Smales Farm, Takapuna

  
  

  • Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch

  • Fully licensed | Available for private bookings

  • For media enquiries, interviews or images, please contact:

  • Gemma Heffernan, Gather General Manager: 0210523139 - gemma@gathereater.co.nz

  • Amy Melchior, Creative Director: 0274041230 - amy@ripedeli.co.nz

  • hello@gathereatery.co.nz