Lindt Cafe re-opens

The re-opening of the Lindt Cafe in Sydney today was an emotional event for the cafe's workers, but it was especially poignant for one staff member who was caught in the midst of December's tragic hostage drama.

Joel Herat was one of 18 hostages held by gunman Man Haron Monis. He returned to work today at the same cafe where he was held hostage and where cafe manager Tori Johnson and mother of three Katrina Dawson died.

Herat could be seen hard at work inside the cafe in preparation for today's re-opening, which comes 95 days after the now infamous gunman forcibly held staff and customers hostage during a 16-hour siege.

Today's re-opening is a moment Sydneysiders have been waiting for and Lindt Australia chief executive Steve Loane never doubted would happen.

"Everybody thought it was the right thing to do," he said, speaking to media ahead of the opening.

Workers have been setting up since early this morning and eager customers have arrived with the iPhones at the ready to capture the bittersweet occasion.

The cafe has erected two plaques in memory of the fallen victims: 'In loving memory of Tori Johnson, forever in our hearts' and 'In loving memory of Katrina Dawson, an inspiration'.

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Monis held 18 staff and customers captive for 16 hours before the siege was ended in a hail of gunfire which claimed his life and the lives of cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson.

Lindt has since dwelled on what to do with the site.

"Overwhelmingly, the feeling was that reopening and moving forward is the best thing to do for everyone affected," Lindt Australia CEO Steve Loane said this week.

He confirmed the cafe would reopen with a plaque dedicated to Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson.

"It was felt this was the right thing to do, to remember Tori and Katrina and their spirit."

He said public support had been a source of strength which swayed the decision to reopen.

Sydneysiders laid hundreds of bouquets at Martin Place in the days after the siege, in a spontaneous expression of grief and solidarity.

Survivor Marcia Mikhael is carried out by police from the Lindt Cafe. Photo: Getty Images

That sentiment continued on Thursday in the form of a bouquet taped to a pole near the cafe's doors.

"The light shines in the darkness and darkness has never put it out," an attached note said.

Premier Mike Baird met with staff at the cafe ahead of the official opening today.

Regular trading hours begin on Saturday.

A photo tribute to Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson is seen amongst the flowers at Martin Place on December 23, 2014. Photo: Getty Images