DiscoverBeyond the Surface#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community
#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community

#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community

Update: 2025-04-01
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Tait Burge, co-founder of Swimsuit Coffee, built one of Wellington’s most recognisable café brands before turning 30. Frustrated by feeling stuck while his friends graduated from university, he threw himself into coffee, starting with a school course that sparked a lifelong passion.

In this episode, Tait shares how he went from making coffee to running a multi-location business, the challenges of rapid growth, and the pressure of learning on the job. He opens up about navigating the relentless hospitality industry, dealing with public scrutiny over pricing, and the realities of scaling a brand.

Tait also speaks candidly about his recent ADHD diagnosis, how he’s adapting to life as a business owner rather than just a barista, and why keeping a strong team around him has been crucial.

Go check out Swimsuit if you're in Welly, the coffee's and vibes are awn! 

Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/

Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/

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#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community

#59: Tait Burge – Co-Founder of Swimsuit Coffee, How He Opened Four Cafe's Before 30, Creating Community