TWENTY-five years ago, Ben and Judy Bonwick, driven by their dream of owning a small restaurant and love for the North East Victoria region, returned to their roots in Wangaratta. This dream became a reality when they acquired the King River Café, in Oxley, just a short drive from Wangaratta.
Ben and Judy are both seasoned professionals in hospitality, having spent years in the catering industry.
“We always dreamed of having a little restaurant in this area, the North East has always been such a beautiful place to us,” Judy said.
The opportunity came when they discovered the King River Café up for sale in Oxley and despite having young children, they decided to take the plunge.
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Their two sons have been part of the café’s journey with one having grown up to become the chef.
“Our son, who was four when we took over, is now our chef, while our other son is a builder. It’s wonderful to have them still close by and involved in the community,” Ben said.
Running a business while raising young children was no easy task, but Ben and Judy had the support of their family, particularly the grandparents, who helped with childcare.
“Looking back, I don’t know how we managed, but we did what we had to do,” Judy says with a smile.
While having a significant culinary reputation, the King River Café is also a cornerstone of the local community and a place where art is appreciated.
“We’ve been here for 25 years, and it’s been amazing to see local families grow and evolve," she said.
"We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and countless special occasions with them.”
The café is also a hub for local artists, with regular art exhibitions and classes, making it a creative space as well as a culinary one.
The walls are adorned with portraits of local winemakers, like Otto Dal Zotto and John Brown, and other pieces that add to the café’s unique atmosphere.
Downstairs, Linda runs art classes at the River Arts Studio.
The café’s resilience was put to the test during challenging times, most notably during a devastating fire in 2013.
The fire forced them to close their doors for several months, and the damage seemed overwhelming at first.
“When we first saw the extent of the damage, we were in shock,” Ben recalled.
“We thought it might be the end of our business.”
However, what followed was an outpouring of support from the local community that Ben and Judy will never forget.
“The local community rallied around us in a way we never expected," he said.
"People offered to help clean up, store our supplies, and do whatever they could to get us back on our feet.”
The phone calls, emails, and cards from concerned customers and friends were a constant reminder of how much the café meant to the community.
“The fire was a turning point for us,” Judy reflected.
“It showed us that our café wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a vital part of the community.
"The kindness and generosity we experienced during that time reinforced our commitment to the café and to the people who supported us.”
For anyone considering a similar path, their advice is clear: “It’s a hard industry, but it’s incredibly satisfying. If you love people and enjoy seeing the impact you have on their lives, then it’s worth every challenge.”
King River Café is a tribute to Ben and Judy’s dedication, resilience, and love for their community and the arts.
This is a true community business, enriched by creativity, passion, and a commitment to the people it serves.
