Masterton's Zane Saba has credited word of mouth for the booming business already taking place at his cafe Cecille in the Park.
The cafe is in Coronation Hall, in Queen Elizabeth Park, and has opened its door for a couple of days over the past few weeks.
The building is owned by Masterton District Council.
Mr Saba took over the building because his catering business Chef on Demand needed a more permanent base.
After a paint job and some gardening - helped by working bees - the cafe is ready to be opened to public.
"The council's been really good. It's been a team effort," he said.
"A lot of people have made contributions and efforts to help us out."
He said the place was "quite full" on the first Friday night opening.
"It was really nice to see and we have got a lot of positive feedback on the improvements we have made to the place," he said.
"It's amazing what word of mouth can do."
Mr Saba has employed up to 15 part-time and full-time staff, although some came from the catering business.
Mr Saba worked in the building at Cafe Cecille until 2007 and said regulars from that time had already been back. The cafe is family friendly and offers a children's menu.
It also has a wine of the month and becomes a bar on Friday nights.
Council had been unable to find a suitable tenant for the building since March last year.
Cecille in the Park is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Call (06) 377 1166 for any inquiries.