Elijah Mack celebrates five years of success with Kekuli Cafe

MERRITT — It’s been one of the most popular locally owned cafes for quite some time now. Luring in visitors from out of town or local Merrittonians with the sweet smell of fresh bannock, tacos and other delights. There are four locations, with one in Westbank West Kelowna.

Elijah Mack touched on the highlights and hardships associated with running Kekuli Cafe Merritt and all the people that have helped along the way.

“There are so many people I would like to thank. Sharon Bondhogg and her husband Darren Hogg who brought me into this business and trained me and helped me be succesful. My parents for having my back every step of the way. My brothers for always believing in me and really just supporting me and my staff. They are so amazing. Debra Jewell-Eisinga has been with me for six years now. I hired her as an employee and now she is managing this place. Also my employees Johnny Collins and Brenda Bond.”

Kekuli Cafe | Zach Amin Photography

Running any restaraunt or food related business it not always easy in today’s economy. After COVID-19 led to a plethora of health regulations, many businesses were forced to shut down.

“I was 22 when I bought the restaraunt. Fifteen months after buying Kekuli Cafe COVID hit, so I had just learned how to run the business and then COVID became a factor.”

“The way I look at, every single challenge is an opportunity grow and be better.”

The comminuty of Merritt has had Elijah’s back through even the tumultous years where health regulations held back the success of many businesses.

“The community of Merritt is phenomenal. When COVID hit the locals fought hard to keep our doors open. I have so much to be grateful for.”

“Today we are giving back by handing out free bannock tacos, last year we gave out over 250!”

Free Bannock Tacos | Zach Amin Photography

Kekuli Cafe was handing out veggie or beef tacos, free of charge (Friday, December 1st) The anniversary celebration ran from 10 am to 2 p.m. then 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“I believe one of the best things we have done is engage with staff, what they would like to see in the business and just taking care of them in general. I feel like I really do care alot about my staff. I try to make sure they have livable wages, making sure the flexibility is there and being accomodating. Really just belieiving in them and the rest will come.”

Elijah Mack had one last message for the City of Merritt.

“Thank you for supporting me in five years of owning this restaraunt. Thank you for showing up in such a trying time in my family’s life.”