On the Friday of Labour Weekend, owners Wayne and Sarah Bugden closed the cafe after a table of eight customers left at 7.30pm. The couple left the building about 8.45pm.
About 11.20pm, police called them to say "there is a car parked in your building".
The car had careered about 40m along Beach Rd before hitting the building. All three occupants were taken to Oamaru Hospital with minor injuries.
The 29-year-old driver was charged with driving while disqualified and dangerous driving causing injury.
Recalling the scene that night, Mr Bugden said his reaction was "shock and surprise".
"Sarah was quite upset about it all. It’s her pride and joy, really."
The couple have owned the business since March and had looked forward to a busy spring and summer season. Instead, they were forced to deal with the aftermath of the crash that had dashed their plans, which included salvaging what they could and itemising lost items for insurance purposes.
The building suffered structural damage to its walls, the cafe’s front entrance and counter were demolished, and tables and chairs were destroyed.
Electrical and plumbing work was also required.
It was described as a "write-off" by Mr Bugden.
Workers started at the site this week and it was hoped the business could reopen in six to seven weeks, Mr Bugden said.
On the positive side, he said it was an opportunity to "tidy things up from what they were".
The couple thanked the community for its support, which included well-wishers from overseas and those who helped on the night.
The Bugdens had accepted what had happened and wanted to move on.
"It’s one of those things. You just have to get up and going again. We just want to get back to doing business."
- Daniel Birchfield
