Hats off to a thriving local business

Hats Off Kitchens is a five-generation family business based at Charmhaven – and this year celebrates its 70th birthday.

The business had its beginnings when Gillmer Kitchens was established in 1955 in Dee Why, later relocating to Brookvale. 

The Gillmer family business was founded by four brothers – John, Merv, Ron and George – with their father Eleaser and has been a family-owned business ever since.

Jim Gillmer joined the family business in 1981, representing the fourth generation to be involved.

In 2005, he moved to the Central Coast and founded the Central Coast branch, Hats off Kitchens.

At the time, his aunt Terry Matters (nee Gillmer) was the director of Gillmer Kitchens and in 2009, when she retired, the business was passed on to Jim.

His daughter Jenna Hartman now works with him, as a member of the fifth generation of Gillmers.

The company provides custom kitchens, laundries and cabinets for homeowners throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Over the years there have been more than 30 family members involved in the company.

“Creating attractive and practical kitchens in accordance with budgetary requirements is what we do best,” Gillmer said.

“Hats Off Kitchens understands that investing in a new kitchen or laundry is a major decision to make, which is why we listen closely to our clients’ needs and concerns.

“From there we create a bespoke product that ticks all the boxes.

“We’re proud to deliver a product that consistently exceeds client expectations.”

He said the Gillmer family had always understood that the kitchen was the heart of the home – an integral hub and a meeting place for all the family.

“It should be a fun place to congregate at parties or to make memories with the children or grandchildren,” he said.

The company name these days is Hats off Enterprises Pty Ltd, trading as Gillmer Kitchens on the Northern Beaches and Hats off Kitchens on the Central Coast.

Both businesses are run from head office in Charmhaven.

To celebrate 70 successful years in business, any new kitchen order placed in 2025 will receive a complimentary Morphy Richards toaster and kettle in a choice of either white/gold or black/gold.