Popular Sandgate cafe reopens five days after new owners buy it

The foodie family taking over a well-loved bayside cafe says it will be transformed into an “ever-changing and ever-interesting place”, with a new menu and a new look.

Popular Sandgate cafe Witchin’ Kitchen has reopened under new ownership, with a new chef and an exciting new menu.

Lisa and Mel McMurray took over the Rainbow St business on Friday two weeks ago, but reopened on Wednesday (June 22).

“Oh yes, we do enjoy a challenge,” Lisa McMurray said of the lightning-fast turnaround.

Lisa, Mel and daughter Frankie, the new owners of Witchin' Kitchen.

“I had reached a ceiling in my professional career and needed a new challenge, so I thought the Witchin Kitchen would be the perfect fit.

“I fell in love with the building, and then the possibilities of what we could do with it came flooding through”.

The pair comes with 20 years’ pastry experience and plans to draw on that to offer some exciting new menu options, as well as old favourites locals had come to love since the cafe first opened in 2019.

“We have a new onsite pastry chef and new menu that changes with the seasons, making our corner an ever-changing and ever-interesting place to check out and become a part of,” Lisa McMurray said.

“We will be offering breakfast and lunch options as well as in house-baked goods.”

Witchin' Kitchen.

The pair has started renovations to allow a better flow of service and seat more people.

“We are in the middle of some small renovations to extend the food preparation area so that the community can see the cakes and beverages being made, to feel a part of the process and see the love and creativity that goes into everything we do,” Lisa McMurray said.

“The Witchin Kitchen is all about good honest food, a chat, a laugh, a connection. Simply, its about people and food a place to be.”

Witchin' Kitchen will undergo renovations.