Vivis’ Café replaces Meme’s Café and Food Shop in New Hamburg

New owners of Vivi’s Café (formerly Meme’s Café) Janvi and Vipul Patel. Contributed photo

By Mercedes Kay Gold

Meme’s Café and Food Shop was a local landmark, perfectly placed on Peel Street, nestled nicely into New Hamburg.

In November 2001, Meredith Hagen, inspired by local homegrown garden goodness, had a vision for her tiny town. With Wilmot Township’s growing population and taste for delicious dishes, she opened the café to the community. Meme’s Café became the go-to gathering place for coffee and chatting, and a side of baked local love.

Over two decades later, Hagen’s vision did not change but the doors have now closed. Let me take this opportunity to introduce readers to Vipul and Janvi Patel, the new owners of the business. The former beloved café has been renamed Vivi’s Café in honour of their son, picking Vi from Vishv and another Vi from Vipul and Vi from Janavi. For faithful patrons, no need to fret. Vipul and Janvi Patel will continue supporting local businesses and farmers while focusing on fabulous food for faithful patrons.

Vipul and Janvi Patel, who both come from professional full-time corporate backgrounds but are longtime admirers of local cafés, took a leap of faith. With a deep-felt connection to the culinary world, they are excited to step onto a new path. They began the new journey officially on May 1.

“We love the small-town lifestyle, and starting a business like this has been our dream from the very beginning. Finding the café feels like the moment everything finally fell into place,” Janvi Patel said.

The couple currently resides in Kitchner until they find their dream space in New Hamburg. As former residents of Forest, Ont., a cute little town on Lambton shores, New Hamburg will soon feel like the home they left behind.

Let’s talk about food. Food may be essential as fuel for the body, but good food and great company feed the soul. The menu at Vivi’s changes weekly, just like it did when it was Meme’s. Sourcing local seasonal options means a shorter distance from farm-to-table – fresh, flavourful and closer to the way Mother Nature intended. That’s good news for regulars.

“The menu will remain exactly as it was,” Janvi Patel said.

But look forward to new dishes.

In a world with more vegetarians and vegans, and for those with dietary restrictions, I am personally delighted the popular bowl will not be on the cutting block. The featured health bowl changes weekly and is always vegan and gluten-free, allowing tastebuds to travel the world with Thai, Mediterranean and even Italian flavours.

Busy bees can continue to pick up for staff appreciation and party days with trays, platters, coffee and baked goods. And for the home chef, stop slaving in the kitchen and hire Vivi’s to cater that next family event. Real men do eat quiche.

The focus of Vivi’s is clear.

“We aim to protect 25-years legacy of exceptional, authentic service. We are committed to excellence in every bite and every interaction,” Janvi Patel said.

Vipul and Janvi Patel have one goal, to establish Vivi’s Café “as a premier ‘Third Place’ cultivating a high-dwell-time environment where guests feel encouraged to stay and connect outside of the home and workplace.”.

Welcome to New Hamburg’s new Vivi’s Café, still lovingly located at 102 Peel Street.

The only thing better than talking, in this case reading about food is eating anything from Meme’s café and Food Shop. See you soon! Support local.