REGIONAL ROUNDUP… CANTERBURY
regional updates
canterbury viewpoint
NEW OPENINGS ABOUND The trickle of new openings that started before Christmas is turning into a virtual flood as operators vie for the best central city positions. Hot on the heels of Fiddlestix, Dux dine and Café Valentino, which got opened before Christmas comes a rebuilt Lone Star on their old site in Manchester Street, Venuto in Colombo Street, Winnie Bagoes in Allen Street, Jonny Schwass’s new restaurant in the old Ironside House in Victoria Street and an as yet unnamed venture in St Asaph Street. Landlords are sharing in the action with prime sites being hotly contested between prospective tenants and landlords watching as they outbid each other for the good sites. The city’s most prolific hospitality landlord, Anthony Gough, has announced plans for a ‘mega strip’ along Oxford Terrace with the intention to be up and running by the end of next year. For those with interest in this, remember nothing is for nothing and the rents will be substantial. If I was interested in taking a lease on one of these spaces I would be looking at a turnover based lease as it may be some time before the crowds return to the city. The top end of Cranford Street has emerged as a hospitality hub with at least half a dozen operations opening their doors. From all accounts trade is good though there has been the odd customer niggle about getting back on to Cranford Street. Wait staff too are sharing in the rewards (and about time too) with one establishment reportedly offering $17.50 as a starting rate. The upward pressure on pay rates will only increase as competition for experienced staff heats up. SAD PASSING It is with sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of Di Frost after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Di was associated with the local hospitality industry over many years as a wine rep with Distinguished Vineyards and more recently Epicurean Wines.
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UPCOMING BRANCH MEETING It’s time for a revitalisation of the Canterbury Branch of the Restaurant Association and so on Wednesday 6th March at 2 p.m. we will hold a meeting to discuss the focus of the local Branch over the coming year. We will be looking for a new set of office bearers, so this is a great opportunity to get more involved with the Association at an interesting time for the region. There will be nothing stuffy here though; no past minutes, no financial reports, just a bit of a round up of what has been happening over the past 18 months, some sound advice from CEO Marisa Bidois and an election of office bearers. Following that it is down to the social business with your fellow members. The date is Time Venue
Wednesday 6th March 2.00-4.00 P.M. Café Valentino 168 St Asaph Street, Central City
As I don’t intend to stand for re election at the AGM this will be my last contribution to the newsletter. It has been an amazing 24 months, longer if you count September 2010 as the start. I would like to thank those members that have offered support over this time and thank those many that have shared their experiences with me. There have been lots of harrowing moments and many long, late night phone calls with distraught members in the aftermath of February 2011. It has been a wild ride and one I do not want to repeat. I feel it is the right time to stand aside given the expansion in the hospitality industry that will take place in 2013 and look forward to having a drink with members after the AGM on the 6th. Thank you all, Michael Turner Acting Canterbury Branch President Café Valentino e: info@cafevalentino.co.nz m: 021 441 205
THE THYMES February 2012