After completing an apprenticeship at Barends Patisserie Max headed to Switzerland to further his training. Another three years of working and attending Richemont trade school, all with the goal of opening a bakery. Six weeks after arriving home in New Zealan, Max in 1989 purchased a run down quasi health food shop and bakery for $30k at 96 Aro Street. The whole family chipped in to give the place a clean and paint, business started cranking from day one.