Rotorua’s Capers Cafe farewells Carolyn Grammer after health diagnosis
Carolyn Grammer is retiring from her long-standing role at Capers Cafe in Rotorua after 25 years due to health issues. She has become a local icon known for her unique personality and dedication to the cafe.
Why it matters
This human-interest story reflects the deep community connections formed by small businesses and the personal impact of chronic health conditions.
Carolyn Grammer has retired from Capers Cafe + Store after 25 years of service, since the day the cafe opened. Photo / Kelly Makiha
The red lip, the wild curly hair and the husky laugh after classic one-liners.
Anyone who has been to Capers Cafe + Store in Rotorua in the past 25 years will know Carolyn Grammer well.
She’s been the one at the front counter under her signature crochet black hat, eagerly encouraging you to get the cake if you’re having a bad day.
As her workmates put it, “Caro is Capers”. She’s been there since the doors opened in October 2001.
But at 65, she’s retiring – not because she wants to stop working but because she has been diagnosed with chronic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema).
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in