“We don’t take ourselves seriously; just our food.” That’s how Debi Bignell-Matthews describes her business, The Wellington Street Café.
It’s been just shy of four years since Bignell-Matthews embarked upon a new chapter in her life by opening the doors to her café.
She is no stranger to Drayton, and it was during one of her trips to the village to visit family that she noted the “for rent” sign which got her wheels turning.
Having worked in the corporate world for many years, Bignell-Matthews decided she needed a change and sensed the tight-knit and peaceful atmosphere of Drayton would provide just that.
Since opening her doors Bignell-Matthews feels blessed with customers she describes as “some of the most wonderful people I ever could have met.” Her mid-morning “wise people” come to the café to enjoy a coffee, herbal tea, sometimes snacks or breakfast and a lot of laughs and camaraderie. It is this kind of hometown atmosphere that Bignell-Matthews has strived to build and maintain.
“Treating our customers like guests in our home, with a lot of fun and a little irreverence has been part of the secret of our success,” said Bignell-Matthews.
The Café offers “home cooking and baking” – take-out or eat-in inside a wonderfully casual, comfortable social environment. The Café has created a healthy carry out and catering menu featuring outrageous desserts, superior sandwiches and savoury salads to “conquer all cravings” and gift certificates are available.
Bignell-Matthews welcomes everyone to the Cafe, where staff listens to customers, who can make suggestions or submit their own sandwich or salad recipe to be considered as a featured weekly special.
Having been a commuter, Bignell-Matthews knows the challenges first hand. Thoughts of feeding a family after a day at work and a long drive home can be overwhelming at times.
The Wellington Street Café offers some relief with hot homemade meals, bowls of salads and big pots of homemade soup, to name a few – all prepared and ready for pick-up. No work, no fuss for the working family. Diners can call ahead and have their order ready for pick-up at a specified time. Remember, if it’s not fresh it’s not the Café’s, so “what’s on your plate?”
The Wellington St. Café prides itself on fresh ingredients and great customer service and it guarantees to put a twist on favorite classics. It also offers a relaxing and cozy environment to meet with friends for breakfast or lunch.
In addition, the Café boasts delicious cookies, muffins, tarts, cakes and pies (sold whole or by the slice). Soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads and “all day breakfast” are part of the regular fare, along with daily specials.
“Bob’s Big Breakfast” is a popular choice on the ever-evolving and affordable menu.
The Café also caters business luncheons and small parties and provides a location for private dinners.
Building catering menus to suit the occasion – whether it’s sandwich plates, salads, pots of soup, complete meals or desert trays – is what gives the Café its personal touch. Enjoy the same fresh ingredients and twist on classics as the Café offers for conferences, meetings or any special occasion. The Café can also develop a menu catered specifically for a client’s needs – just give them a call at 519-638-2177 and ask for Debi.
Bignell-Matthews is also a strong believer in supporting and promoting quality Canadian products. Therefore all her vegetables are fresh and in the Ontario growing season, she uses locally-grown produce. With such a strong bounty of fresh local products, Bignell-Matthews makes as much as she can from scratch.
“From the farms, to our kitchen, to your plate” is Bignell-Matthews’ motto.
One visit and you’ll see why a walk to the stoplights in Drayton is worthwhile. The Café is open at 6am during the week to help get customers going for the day, and at 7am on Saturdays.
The Wellington St. Café (aptly named) is located on the corner of Wellington and Main.
Drop in for a coffee, as Debi and her crew welcome all with a big smile and open arms.
For more information call 519-638-2177.
