History

Calypso Takeaways est. 1978

Janna Sicely

When I bought Calypso Takeaways in March 2023, I was so excited to be walking into an icon. I had been a teen in Kerikeri in the late 90’s, and Calypso had been a high-frequency haunt after school for a dose of hot chips with tartare sauce to dip. She was a popular chippie joint with a great reputation.

No surprises really, because by this stage Calypso had already been in operation for 20 years and was a well-established business in lil ol’ Kerikeri township. Since then, another 20 years have gone by and here I am today, “manning the helm” as it were, for this chapter of the Calypso narrative.

I have made it my mission to piece together the history of Calypso Takeaways; the whanau who have worked and lived their lives within these walls, and breathed life into all the many shenanigans that have taken place here over the years! Still many chronological gaps to fill, so if you are reading this and have been an owner or staff member here, do come in for a visit! Otherwise, scroll through this beautiful history and enjoy watching the business unfold.

Here’s to 46 years of deep fried deliciousness xx

Original Founder / Creator / Owner / Operator
Mr Warren Gray : 1978 - 1979

Well KK, it happened! The very first OG, owner, originator, founder, master legend of Calypso Takeaways Kerikeri came to visit!

Introducing (to those who don’t know) Mr Warren Gray! Mr Gray strolled into the shop and was all set to bail me up about the fact that I was 9yrs late with the ‘EST 1987’ signage!! But we immediately got to chatting about the nostalgic feels of the finest F’n’C shop to grace the lands! And I learnt a little more about the beautiful history of this special little takeaway joint.

Warren and his wife, Margaret founded Calypso, opening the doors on Christmas eve, 24th December, 1978. Theirs was with a view to being the second chippie in town. Warren built the extraction system with his own hands, still used today! He also built the counter top and created all the signage himself. Arcade games, cheap as chips kai (mind the pun), and generally what was to become a little beating heart in our KK township.

As for the name, yep, Wazza was a true fan of Jacques Cousteau and loved the explorer’s connection with the ocean, so thought it was fitting to name his new venture after the filmmaker’s exploration boat and chopper. He was also a super true fan of John Denver’s ‘Calypso’ tune, which he used to play on repeat on a cassette tape and beat box on the front counter (much to the ‘over it’ workers delight haha)!

The journey didn’t last long for Warren and Margaret, as life took them their separate ways and the lovely Shepherd family took ownership after only 18 months or so. But I really just felt such immense gratitude for this lovely gentleman, who, unbeknownst to him, started this little venture which went the distance…45 years so far!! And so many of us have grown up with such fond memories of this place…Vini often says, if the walls had ears, this shop has heard so many stories and had so many generations pass through…I feel so lucky to continue to carry the torch.

Thank you, Warren and Margaret. You really did create an icon. And thank you Aaron Shepherd for sharing your images of Calypso in the 70’s. Most importantly, thank you beautiful community for continuing the journey with us.

The Shepherd Whanau : 1979 - 1981

Yesterday we had a very special visit. This is Whaea Hana Shepherd. Hana and her husband, Bruce, were the second owners of Calypso Takeaways Kerikeri from 1978 – 1982. Hana shared that there used to be a house behind the shop where she and her family lived. The big tree that used to be in the garden still stands behind our building. Her son, Aaron, told stories about racing home from school as a Standard Three-er and deep frying his own chips! Of course there were also spacie machines in the shop, frequented by the locals for 20 cents a game!

The whanau were visiting Kerikeri from the Bay of Plenty, having said their final farewell to Bruce this weekend. Beautiful whanau, thank you for visiting and reminiscing about our special community and our very special shop.

As an aside, now I’ll have to go about having our signage changed! Est 1987 isn’t doing this history justice!

Mrs Inez White: 2003 - 2017

Well KK, I am delighted to report that another piece of the Calypso Takeaways Kerikeri puzzle was slotted into place yesterday, as I was introduced to the amazing and brilliant, Mrs Inez White. Inez owned and operated our classic little community icon for 14 whole years, from 2003 – 2017, and as far as my investigations can conclude, is the longest standing contender of Lady Boss status that Calypso has seen in its 45-year life-span!

Now, since I took over I have to say that I have heard A LOT about Inez! You see, our beautiful Master Chef, Vini, has also been the beating heart of Calypso for many years, and worked for Inez for the majority of her tenure. I couldn’t tell you how many times in my moments of indecision, I have heard the phrase “well that’s how Inez did it!”…and I have to smile and admit that in this way, Inez’ ongoing presence in our little shop has been a comfort to me on many occasions.

So, Inez took the reigns in 2003, Calypso being the first business she had ever owned. With the help of her son, Steve (who owned another precious piece of KK history, the iconic, Fishbone Cafe) she learnt the skills of accounting in hospitality and became super-sharp in the art of delivering FnCs!

At this time, Calypso was still really one of the only takeaway joints Kerikeri had. As the years went by, Inez steered the business through the extensive growth of the town which meant navigating the growing number of food outlets appearing along the street, not to mention the really big one with the golden arches, just across the road! Admirably, even with the shifting sands, she upheld the reputation of Calypso which continued to withstand the tests of time and thrive.

Sitting with her yesterday, I had a glimpse of the business-savvy vamp that Inez brought to her time at the shop. Her style was firm but fair, and the quality of her product was paramount. I found myself feeling very inspired by her stern words of advice and encouragement…all I can say is that I definitely have a ways to go, but I reckon that if I can do it even half as well as Inez did, I’ll still be winning.

Thank you, Inez, for your significant part in holding the Calypso torch, and taking such good care of our local chippie.

Mrs Sonya Simpson: 2017 - 2023

Sonya and Rob bought Calypso from Inez in 2017 and brought with them their two daughters to run the shop and try their hand at hospo. Sonya came from a nursing and health background, having travelled the world managing mega hospitals with a wicked sense of precision and execution. Rob had been a tech fiend, and they had decided to escape city life to give small-town Kerikeri a go.

Sonya and Rob had a lot of fun at the start, and even won a national People’s Choice award for the best chips in 2019! But the pair endured many storms and worked themselves ragged keeping Calypso afloat during some of the most difficult social and economic times our shores have experienced in recent years (did someone say Pandemic?!) Sonya cared A LOT about operations and was a sharp business woman at Calypso. She also did not suffer fools lightly!

When I bought the business from her, she was incredibly open and giving with her knowledge and skills, and I will forever be grateful to her for the massive insight she shared with me about the highs and lows of the fast food industry. And just how much impact a full-time business can have on a person’s life balance. Thank you, Sonya, for keeping the Calypso torch burning through very tough times and sharing your whakaaro with me.

Calling All Calypso Fans & History Buffs!

Do you have a story, photo, or memory about Calypso Takeaways history that isn’t included here? We need your help to complete the full history of our beloved local spot! Got a photo from the grand opening, a fun family night out, or even that time our sign survived a cyclone? Share your snapshots and help us create a visual feast of Calypso memories. Every story counts! Help us piece together the untold tales of Calypso Takeaways. Your contributions will help paint a complete picture of our journey from the first fry to the latest catch.

Email me or drop by the shop with your stories and photos. Let’s make sure every delicious detail of Calypso Takeaways is served up for future generations to enjoy!