In the southern suburbs of Christie’s Beach, Rito’s Continental & Cafe has long been a local favourite, known for its exceptional continental produce and cafe eats. For the past 32 years, this treasured spot has offered a range of fine, rare, and hard-to-find global foods, making it the go-to place for everything for your summer barbecues to charcuterie boards.
Owner Ayesha O’Neill, who took over the iconic business after fondly visiting it with her late father, is passionate about continuing Rito’s legacy. Despite the challenges posed by the current economic climate and rising cost of living, Ayesha is determined to keep Rito’s thriving.

Running a small business during tricky financial times presents a few hurdles. With customers re-evaluating their spending habits, Ayesha and her team are adapting their approach to meet evolving needs.
“We’re just really trying to navigate and adapt, but also cater to the customers because they are the most important when it comes to making any sort of decision,” Ayesha says.

Regular customers who visit everyday are the backbone of Rito’s, and their daily visits mean a lot to Ayesha, with the strong community connection acting as a source of comfort and motivation.
“It’s really nice to have people that come in everyday. It’s really nice to see their faces. I miss them if they’re not there one of the days,” she says.
In Christie’s Beach and beyond, local support for small businesses like Rito’s is incredibly strong. Ayesha shared of a recent time where a nearby business struggling financially received an outpouring of community support after a social media appeal.
“There was a place on Beach Road that did a call out on social media, and said we’re really struggling. The next day everyone from Beach Road was down there buying from his shop,” Ayesha says.
“It’s just kind of nice to have that support around you, because sometimes, being a business owner can be quite lonely. No one really knows what’s going on behind the scenes, but to know that if you ever needed help, to know that the support is there for you, is really nice.”

Ayesha, a single mother and former accountant, has learnt to balance her personal and professional life, and the support she receives from customers, who often ask about her children, makes her journey worthwhile.
“They are really supportive. They always ask – how are the kids going? How’s school?” she says.
“It’s just really nice to know that there are people that care for you.”

Reflecting on the past, Ayesha fondly remembers visiting Rito’s with her father, enjoying hot chocolates and pork pies together. When she learned that OG Owners Rito and Carol were selling the business, she jumped on the opportunity to honour her father’s memory by taking over.
“It would’ve been really cool for him to see me running Rito’s, just because he loved it so much,” Ayesha says.
“He was one of their regulars. He’d come in and get his long black and cake and his pork pie, and we’d do the same together.”
That’s what makes it all worth it for Ayesha. Many of the regular customers remind her of her father. They share their stories with her, just as her dad once did with Rito and Carol.

Despite facing financial difficulties, including the need to reduce product lines and streamline operations, Rito’s remains committed to maintaining its high standards of service. Ayesha acknowledges that international affairs can impact their offerings, but is optimistic about the future.
“The customers are so loyal when they come in and spend whatever money they can, which I’m so appreciative of,” Ayesha says.
“I always make sure to have a chat with everyone because I am so thankful that they come in and choose to spend their money with Rito’s.”
Rito’s Continental is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm, and is a must-visit destination in SA. Not only can you find a wide selection of hard-to-find continental produce, but the convenience of having a local butcher, seafood shop, and supermarket all in the same complex makes it the perfect spot for your weekly grocery shopping or grabbing last-minute gourmet snacks and picnic essentials on your way to the beach.
Get out and support local businesses like Rito’s during these tricky financial times and appreciate the efforts of amazing South Aussies like Ayesha!
What: Rito’s Continental & Cafe
Where: 101 Beach Rd, Christie’s Beach, 5165 SA
When: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5pm, Saturday 8:00am to 3pm
For more info, click here.
READ MORE:
- Experience the best of global produce in SA at Rito’s Continental & Cafe.
- Iconic continental deli & cafe Rito’s Continental begins new chapter down South.
More News
