OASIS CAFE
125 Carmichael
South Christianburgh
Georgetown, Guyana
592.226.9916

OASIS TOO
216 South Rd
Lacytown
Georgetown, Guyana
592.227.0121/2

Q & A WITH THE OWNERS OF OASIS CAFE & OASIS TOO

What’s your name and what was the motivation behind Oasis Cafe?

Thanks Marcus for the opportunity to feature on your wonderful website. My name is Nisa Walker and along with my husband Will we started Oasis in October 2005. For several years we had lived in New York and really enjoyed hanging out in cafes. When we moved here there was nothing like that and we punished for a good cappuccino. I also love cooking and entertaining and it had always been my dream to own a restaurant. Eventually after many years we took the plunge and it has been great!

How long have you lived in Guyana and what made you choose it for your business?

Well I was born here and after many years abroad we came for a holiday and decided to settle. The business idea came long after this became our home so it was not really us choosing Guyana.

How long has Oasis been in existence?

Oasis Cafe on Carmichael St has been open two years and Oasis too on South Road one year.

How many are they? Are there plans for more?

We don’t have plans for any more right now. What we really want to do is run the two we have really well, to look after our customers the best we can, and to enjoy the work.

What type of place would you describe it as?

Well that’s kind of hard! It’s a coffee house for sure. We have great organic and fair trade coffee and the best espresso-based drinks. Then we also offer lots of pastries and cakes. So in that regard it’s a traditional cafe. But we also serve lunch. At Oasis cafe on Carmichael St we serve a buffet from 12 pm and that is really popular. At Oasis too we really go full out with the food. We have a terrific selection of salads, a daily soup and three entrees. I just love the food over there! If any readers want to see what’s on offer they can go to our website at www.oasiscafegy.com and click on the daily menu page. We have that posted by 10 am every day.

Who are your main patrons?

When we first opened we attracted a large number of expats. But I think what has been amazing has been the response of Guyanese, who have really taken us to heart. I think Guyanese are born cafe goers, the way the French and Italians are. Now when you come in it is a happy mix of foreigners and locals, all smiling and talking among themselves.

What makes Oasis Cafe unique?

I’m not sure but it does seem to have something quite magical about it. I think it’s just this space that people have adopted as their own home away from home. We have some folks who come and spend the whole day with us. Others pop in for breakfast, are back for lunch and then for tea. We know their names and they know us and it’s just so special. Guyanese are very sociable and I think Oasis has created a space where they can meet, hang out and make more friends. It is kind of beautiful.

Additionally: address, telephone numbers, name of managers or other key persons. Do you sponsor events? and any other areas of interest you would like to add?

Our addresses are Oasis Cafe - 125 Carmichael St, 226 9916; Oasis Too - 216 South Road between King and Wellington Sts, 227 0121/2.

We have been lucky to find some really hardworking employees who believe in what we are doing. Our supervisor is a wonderful lady Sharon who you can contact if we are not around. We make a lot of cakes for birthdays; showers etc and these are created by Dawn. We would like to think that speaking to any of our employees is like talking with us. Our cell phone numbers, 629.5415 for me Nisa and 681.1648 for Will. Thanks again Marcus and all the best for your site.

Thanks you and all the best.