New owners make their mark on Mikes cafe with a makeover and name change

Susanna Freymark

Renne McSweeney and Tim Sauer have 11 weeks to revamp the cafe they’ve bought on Barker Street, Casino.

Renee is expecting a baby (her second) and she wants to get as much done as possible before the baby arrives.

Mikes has been a local meeting spot for years and while previous owner Mike Weaver is busy turning the Oxford Hotel into a church, Renee and  Tim are giving the cafe a makeover including a name change.

It just isn’t Mikes without Mike. Instead, the cafe will take the initials of its new owners and be called RnT’s Cafe.

Inside, there are plans to add a rustic look to the walls. The brick wall at the back will feature old wagon wheels and vintage farming equipment.

“We want to change it into what we are,” Tim said.

The front part of the cafe will feature artworks from local artists.

Tim has run two cafes previously and as the chef he makes his own pies from scratch.

The rest of the menu will be “comfort food,” he said.

The coffee will be good too – Piazza Doro is the choice.

“There is fresh juice too,” Renee said – and gluten-free cakes and bread.

They try to source as much local food as possible including eggs,

RnT’s Cafe is open

Monday–Friday at 6am–3pm

Saturdays at 7am–1pm

Sundays – closed

The cafe will also be available for hire for about 30 people. Tim will do the cooking for private events. The venue is available for hire at night time too.