The Press
For many of us, there is a ritual around the moments we take to buy a coffee, to get that sandwich which always makes your day a little better or in ducking into that little shop that sometimes is never open when you hoped it would be so you could find that chutney your sister is always raving about. For many of us, these moments make up the joys of our lives and these joys are the basis of Rachel Fowler’s new venture, The Press.
In years past, if you’d asked Rachel what she'd do if money was no object, she would have very quickly told you that opening a providore was the absolute answer. Money is certainly an object now but on the 15th of August, Rachel made this dream a reality. Opening The Press; a cafe, providore and community space in the heart of Wagga Wagga in NSW’s South West. And Rachel’s dream certainly hasn’t disappointed, with a resounding response from the community since opening. The concept behind The Press which Rachel has so expertly executed was to offer simple food, done well. Combining the really classic flavour combinations we all know and love, using the best ingredients and focusing on a small menu that is really very good.
Like many country kids before her, Rachel has recently found herself back on home soil after spending many of her younger years working in the city and abroad. Which has seen her combine her warm country roots with her contemporary metropolitan experience. “Our farm in Young is a real magnet for us all, we all end up back there. I'm so glad to be close to my family, especially when doing something hard and new, the support is so important. Being back in the country, I'm transformatively happier.”
Food is about people for Rachel, so The Press is about people too. Which has seen Rachel focus on making sure each of her customers walk in her door and immediately feel the warmth and an inviting energy of the space. Pair this with unparalleled produce and you’ve got a sure fire recipe for success. I can’t help but get the feeling that in no time at all Wagga won’t know how they ever survived without this little gem in their vicinity.
While the pandemic has been unkind to many small businesses, especially in the hospitality space, the conditions of the last two years have in some ways paved the way for bright and bold upstarts like Rachel to take a punt on their dreams and the long held regional characteristic of a community being fuelled by the independent, local businesses that care most of all for their communities is something we certainly can’t lose sight of. Something Rachel certainly hasn’t lost sight of. “There is such a cool mix of businesses and people here trying to elevate Wagga, to give it something more. The culture you create in a community is really important and I hope I can contribute to that. Doing anything I can to give back to the local community is also a big thank you to the people that come and support us everyday. I think it's your responsibility as a business owner in any community, no matter where you live, to be doing what you can to give back.”
You’ll find Rachel’s full story in our latest issue of the paper which you can get your hands on here.