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STORIES FROM THE ROOM
The most meaningful events aren't always the biggest.
Sometimes they're the ones that create new friendships, collaborations, businesses and opportunities.
These are some of the stories that have shaped Cafe 39.
PARALLEL LAYERS
What started as a conversation in a barber chair became one of Auckland's most inspiring community gatherings.
Built on the belief that creative people who have "made it" are no different from those just beginning their journey, Parallel Layers creates space for people to meet, learn, collaborate and grow.
The first event attracted more than 80 attendees on a Wednesday night.
80. On a Wednesday.
Since then, the community has hosted networking events, fundraisers, collaborative projects, creative launches, pop-ups and countless introductions between people who otherwise may never have met.
It remains one of the clearest examples of our mission in action:
Where Ideas Meet Action.
Follow their journey here
The Important Stuff
Not every meaningful gathering has a poster.
Some of our favourite memories have been birthdays, reunions, fundraisers, celebrations of life and long conversations between strangers who became friends.
Those moments matter just as much as the headline events.
The Working
Bee
In 2021, Cafe 39 was saved by the Choice Hospitality Working Bee—a massive community effort.
Hospitality professionals, tradespeople, artists, and volunteers donated their time and skills to transform the venue. What started as a physical renovation quickly became something much bigger.
The venue you see today wasn't built by one person. It was built by a community.
By Hospitality. For Hospitality.
A Stage For New Ideas
Over the years we've hosted musicians playing their first gigs, comedians testing new material, poets sharing their work and community groups bringing people together.
Some have gone on to bigger stages.
Some simply found the confidence to keep going.
Both outcomes matter.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Why We Do It.
Hospitality is often described as food and beverage. We think it's something more. Food and drinks give people a reason to sit down. Community gives them a reason to come back. Whether you're joining us for live music, comedy, poetry, a networking event, a private function or simply a quiet drink with friends, our goal remains the same as it was in 1996: