Lumsden's iconic Route 6 cafe is planning to reopen at Kings Birthday weekend (1 Jun) under the new ownership of locals David and Leesha Macgregor.

The popular Northern Southland eatery closed in December last year, following former owner Rob Scott's election as Southland District Mayor.

The Macgregors farm with their family near Dipton.

“There’s some last-minute things to tidy up” Leesha said “but I’m really hoping we will be open for King’s Birthday weekend.

Leesha has worked in hospitality before in front of house management roles - and loved it, so when the opportunity came up to take over Route 6, she jumped at the chance.

“The timing has just worked in well with family and the farm” she said.

“You really need to diversify with farming at the moment, and running a cafe works for our situation”

While this is a partnership with her husband, David, the cafe business will be run by Leesha.

“He’ll be there, but it's mostly me.”

They had looked at other cafes in the past but there was never one this close to home.

“The location couldn’t have been more perfect.”

And the community is really supportive which has made the idea to set up business here an easy choice, she said.

Leesha is also keen to keep the name Route 6 as she felt former owners Rob and Jane, and their staff, had done a great job of building the brand and reputation.

“[Rob and Jane] have been so supportive with the hand over and we just want to build from where they left off” 

It will be the same Route 6 but a bit more of a kiwi flavour with a bit of the decor changing.

There will be breakfasts, burgers, cabinet food, sweets and slices along with some good traditional NZ food - including a few surprises. You’ll just have to pop in to see, Leesha said.

Leesha is also keen to offer some tasty Gluten free options as she is aware that it can still be quite hard to find places who cater for gluten free.

Using local industries as much as possible is important to Leesha and she has already confirmed that they will be using Mint Roastery which roasts in Invercargill for their coffee beans and Altitude Brewery Queenstown for some refreshments with others to be confirmed after opening.

She is also very excited to have secured an awesome chef and is building up a great team which includes supporting local youngsters for work.

“It’s important to pass on knowledge and not just gate keep it” she said.

“It’s really important to be able to help students with part time work as there’s not a lot out there and it helps them gain skills and confidence”

And as well as food and refreshments Route 6 will also once again be offering limited NZ Post services including sending letters and packages but excluding any NZTA transactions or vehicle miles.

Locals spoken to by the Southland App were keen to see the doors finally reopen with Ash Brewer and her young family saying they always enjoyed going to Route 6.

“It will be nice to have another Cafe option to eat from,” Brewer said

“It will be nice to go somewhere more quiet after work/school for a feed or drink with the kids.”

Another Lumsden resident, Anna Highfield said empty shops were not good for the town.

"It’s also nice to have options,” she said.

CLICK HERE for more information including Route 6 Cafe's official opening.

Route 6 Cafe will initially be open from 8:30am until 4-5pm daily, except Tuesdays, with extended hours planned for the Summer.

They will also be available for private functions and off-site catering.