The Oasis Café is celebrating its 15th anniversary today.
Co-owner Nisa Walker, during an interview with Stabroek News, said the Carmichael Street, George-town café was started out of the then seemingly impossible task of finding “proper” coffee here.
Walker, who stated that cooking and baking had always been her passion and specialty, explained that after many of complaining of not being able to find good coffee, she and her husband decided it was time to start providing for themselves and others, hence their decision to open a small coffee shop, where they could offer cakes and pastries, while leaving enough time to take care of their children.
She said after the launch, it immediately took off as “people were so hungry for coffee” and described it as the beginning of a coffee culture in Georgetown and by extension Guyana.
Walker explained that even though the venture has been successful from the beginning, it has not been without its challenges and later described it as a “roller coaster” where sourcing supplies sometimes proved challenging.
The chef added that as a business, they have been fortunate to have good staff, who she was proud to say were almost like family.
Surprised that they have made it to 15 years already, the woman recalled her very first day when she opened for business.
She said, “I can still remember the first morning I woke up at 3am and made muffins and cookies at home and then came here to open up at 7:30.” Like many business owners on their first day, she admitted she was afraid.
She recalled wondering “will people come?” and spoke of hiding in the back of the shop and telling her staff to inform her if anyone came in, or if not “let us close up and hide in here.”
It was a scary experience, she said, but it took off and has evolved into something close to a restaurant where full meals are served and catering is done.
The woman also shared that they eventually started the Friday night Oasis Paradiso, which was like a “pop up restaurant” where the environment is set to facilitate formal dining, where people can come and enjoy a leisurely three-course meal.
However, the measures instituted due to the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that they were out of operation for two and a half months.
Unfortunately after business resumed, they were unable to have Oasis Paradiso, but Walker explained that she is currently working on some ideas she has based on customers’ requests.
The establishment adheres to the COVID-19 guidelines, and ensures that the environment is clean and hygienic, allowing customers to feel comfortable as well as safe.
For the anniversary this year, the plan is the usual. They will bake and distribute their signature Bobby chocolate cake to each customer visiting the cafe.
