It was obvious on the day that it opened almost 12 months ago that Alkalizer café was different.
The food was tasty and nutritious but it was also presented with both panache and a sense of fun.
Sweets to die for, refreshing teas to suit every taste and the coffee was as good as you’d get anywhere.
It’s no wonder that in less than a year Alkalizer has become the place of choice for both locals and visitors.
Indeed in a lot of ways it’s the business success story of the year in Macarthur, if not the entire South West region.
But it’s not just the food and beverages and the warm hospitality that have fans raving about Alkalizer.
They are also speculating about the name itself, which is rather uncommon.
Alkalizer? Why?
Well, they will be glad to know that’s the first thing the Voice asked the force behind Alkalizer, Shefali Kapil.
“I was in the coffee business for more than 12 years – I was roasting coffee, drinking coffee, making coffee, training people in coffee,’’ Shefali explains.
“It came a stage where I had to stop drinking coffee because my stomach just couldn’t take it anymore.
“I ended up getting some advice about the benefits of an alkaline diet – a body that is more alkaline will fight off diseases better than one high in acidity.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I started thinking about how to make a better, healthier cup of coffee, for myself first, but I started planning to open Alkalizer so then it became a matter of how to make it better for everyone.’’[/social_quote]
The philosophy of Alkalizer café is encapsulated by four words: nourish, balance, renew, energise.
“Everything we do revolves around those four things,’’ says Shefali.
“For example, we create balance by using elements that reduce acidity in the body.
“It’s not just with the food; it’s everything, including coffee that is low in acidity, water that is alkaline.
“Whatever you order here at the Alkalizer will come out to you with some greens and fruit as part of that deal.
“We infuse people with energy by making them feel welcome when they arrive to our place.’’
The success of the Alkalizer has probably come as a surprise to some people, including those who didn’t share Shefali’s faith in locating it in Campbelltown.
“It’s been such a warm welcome, so much love since the first day we opened,’’ says Shefali.
“When I started I was very confident that it would be a success right here in Campbelltown.
“I am glad I stuck to my guns – that this is where my home is here in Campbelltown and that this is where Alkalizer is going to be.
“You’ve got to follow your heart and your passion.
“People are coming from Camden and Harrington Grove, they’re coming from the city, people who come out to see an exhibition at the art gallery, they look us up online and come here for a meal or a cup of coffee or tea.
“We’ve become the place of choice for so many people.’’
Mayor of Campbelltown George Brticevic didn’t have have to go far to open Alkalizer on October 11 last year.
Alkalizer, you see, is located next to the entrance of the Campbelltown Council administration building off Queen Street.
Cr Brticevic has agreed to do the honours again when Alkalizer celebrates its first birthday next month.
Shefali says she doesn’t want to reveal too much about what will be on offer for her guests at the birthday bash.
But she does admit that it will be a level up from the offerings at the official opening – which was brilliant and really set Alkalizer on its way to success.
But wait, there’s more.
The sweets, which are custom made and baked for Alkalizer to conform to its philosophy, will be worth a story on their own, Shefali assures me.
So, let me see – there are just 25 sleeps until October 11 – sweet.
