We recently celebrated the grand opening of The Hungry CATerpillar café at Hastings Deering in Mackay. The team have had a few weeks to settle in, so we’ve checked in to see how they’ve been going so far.
A Culinary Transformation
The Hungry CATerpillar was born out of a desire to create a welcoming dining experience for the hardworking staff at the Mackay Hastings Deering sales, rental, and servicing site. The sole café on site to serve 600 site workers, it was designed to be an experience. And previously lacking a satisfying dining option, everyone at Hastings Deering was ready for a culinary revolution.
Enter The Hungry CATerpillar. This new offering gave the old, tired space a brand new look and a brand new menu. Each day brings a fresh theme, from the irresistible Fish Fridays to the aromatic Indian feasts. In a remote area, where culinary diversity is scarce, The Hungry CATerpillar offers a welcome burst of excitement. Gone are the days of uninspired meals. The menu evolves daily, ensuring that monotony never takes hold.
Janine, site manager for The Hungry CATerpillar, shares, “We wanted to give them something they actually want to eat.”
Working closely with the client, the team went all out, not just with the menu, but with the café’s ambiance and aesthetics. The café embraced its surroundings with a distinctive colour scheme—yellow and black, with ceramics to match, a nod to both its namesake and the industrious spirit of the site.
The Grand Opening—A Delicious Debut
With all 600 staff members invited, the excitement was palpable. The lead-up was marked by raffles and lucky door prizes like gym equipment and massage vouchers, adding to the anticipation. Sugar cookies decorated with the yellow logo adorned the scene, disappearing in no time.
Savouring Success
Since then, The Hungry CATerpillar has thrived, serving four times a day and becoming an integral part of Hastings Deering’s daily routine, with some workers even asking for weekend openings. The success has been evident—by day’s end, often only a handful of chips remain.
Looking back, we’re amazed at how well that opening event went. In just two days, 600 handmade burgers vanished—a testament to the café’s drive to provide quality food. And since then, The Hungry CATerpillar has made its mark. We’re so happy to hear they’re getting on so well with such a welcome by the Hastings Deering community.
Rob Rutter
Chief Operating Officer – Retail
Ph: 0424 190 565
