Side Track Cafe

Nestled in the heart of Mount Maunganui, Sidetrack Cafe stands as a welcoming retreat for locals and beachgoers looking to unwind and enjoy quality coffee and bites. This standout café isn’t just a great place to sip a latte—it’s the product of a thoughtful and well-executed commercial hospitality fitout by the shopfit team at Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty. The commercial design balances beachside charm with functionality, delivering a space that speaks directly to its environment while supporting the busy rhythms of hospitality service.

Bringing the Coastal Character to Life

Set in one of New Zealand’s most popular beach towns, Sidetrack Cafe needed a commercial hospitality fitout that not only delivered on functionality but also captured the laid-back vibe of Mount Maunganui. Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty took that brief and turned it into a cohesive interior that reflects the tones, textures, and relaxed energy of the coast. The design invites customers to feel instantly at ease, offering an atmosphere that feels like a natural extension of the surrounding seaside.

Lighting Designed to Welcome

A key feature in this commercial hospitality fitout is the ambient lighting.

Jason Horn, Director at Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty says, “We added hanging warm lightbulbs, suspended from a uniquely curved piece of driftwood, tying in beautifully with the coastal aesthetic.”

This feature adds a handmade, organic touch to the space, setting a mood that’s both intimate and stylish.

“These lights aren’t just decorative. They help define the cafe’s personality and create a sense of comfort for customers as they enter the space.”

Fluted Timber and Wall Features with Texture and Warmth

Timber plays a leading role in this commercial hospitality fitout, contributing to both its form and function. The front counter features fluted timber paneling, a textured surface that adds elegance and depth while remaining in line with the natural theme. Behind the service area, reclaimed old-style timber panels have been used to create a rustic backdrop that feels authentic and earthy—like it’s been part of the cafe forever. These contrasting timber textures create visual interest without straying from the warm, cohesive palette.

Seamless Integration of Back-of-House Areas

In any effective commercial fitout, functionality is just as important as appearance—and Sidetrack Cafe nails this balance. The space cleverly uses timber paneling to section off and hide back-of-house areas, preserving the clean, inviting look of the space for customers while giving staff the tools and space they need behind the scenes. This thoughtful zoning is a testament to the expertise of Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty, who understand the unique workflow needs of cafes and designed accordingly.

Customer-Focused Counter Design

Another highlight of the commercial hospitality fitout is the integration of a cold fridge into the front counter. This design decision enhances the customer experience by offering clear, easy viewing of chilled food and drinks without disrupting the aesthetic of the space. It also improves staff efficiency, allowing them to serve quickly and keep the counter area organised. The fridge is framed seamlessly by the fluted timber, maintaining the visual rhythm of the design while serving a practical purpose.

Consistent Timber Detailing Inside the Café

The commitment to a consistent commercial design language continues inside the seating area, where thin timber paneling echoes the fluted style used at the counter.

Jason adds, “This element adds warmth and texture to the walls, enhancing the comfort of the seating zone while continuing the visual story told throughout the cafe. These materials were expertly chosen and applied by my team, ensuring that every area of the café contributes to the unified, coastal-inspired look.”

A Fitout That Speaks Mount Maunganui’s Language

One of the most successful aspects of this commercial hospitality fitout is how it resonates with the lifestyle and culture of Mount Maunganui. The use of light woods, soft earthy tones, and handcrafted elements mirrors the casual charm of the town itself. Whether you’re stepping in off the beach or catching up with friends after a surf, the environment feels tailored to the coastal rhythm. Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty created more than just a venue—they created an experience that feels right at home in this beachside suburb.

A Smooth, On-Time Delivery

Every great commercial hospitality fitout depends on execution—and this project was no exception. Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty delivered the entire job on time and on budget, giving the café owners peace of mind and allowing them to open doors without delay. The team’s proven process, paired with their local knowledge and expertise, meant the commercial fitout moved forward with precision, care, and minimal disruption. It’s this reliability that sets Total Fitouts apart as leaders in the commercial hospitality fitout industry.

Thoughtful Design Meets Practical Functionality

The team’s understanding of the nuances of a café environment is evident in every detail of this commercial hospitality fitout.

Jasons says, “From the placement of equipment to the integration of customer touchpoints, every aspect was designed with user experience and staff workflow in mind.”

This practical insight—combined with a strong design vision—ensured the final result wasn’t just beautiful, but smartly built for daily operation.

A Space Built to Welcome and Inspire

The Sidetrack Cafe commercial hospitality fitout by Total Fitouts Bay of Plenty successfully combines functionality, aesthetics, and customer experience to create a warm and welcoming café environment. The coastal-inspired finishes, layered timber textures, warm lighting, and smartly integrated layout ensure the space is not only visually appealing but also efficient for daily hospitality operations.

By incorporating carefully selected materials, custom joinery, and practical design solutions, this commercial hospitality fitout enhances the customer journey while supporting the demands of a fast-paced café setting. Whether it’s locals dropping in for their morning coffee or visitors looking to soak up the relaxed Mount Maunganui vibe, Sidetrack Cafe stands out as a memorable and authentic destination—one that is both coastal and contemporary.

Contact Total Fitouts New Zealand today to discuss your next commercial hospitality fitout project.