The seven-area, 1000sq m venue will include at least two bars, a restaurant, a private lounge and a micro-brewery. Luke Dallow, proprietor of the Chapel Bar in Ponsonby, said he was confident about his "seven digit" fit-out at Victoria Park's Sale St. Those spending money on decor say it will give them an edge in a challenging market. However he said those renovating would be "a little bit concerned" because "it's a difficult market at the best of times, and these are difficult times". Mr Sigley said sales at Euro were up on this time last year. For people earning at the upper end, though, it was "more like they have to be seen to be going out". Richard Sigley, whose Nourish Group owns Euro and the Jervois Steakhouse, said mainstream outlets were being squeezed as people with modest discretionary income cut down on eating out. Those at the high end of the restaurant trade say they may be better placed to withstand the slump. But Sara Tucker, the Hospitality Association's Northern regional manager, said anecdotal reports suggested winter business was down 20 per cent for some restaurants. July figures from Statistics New Zealand show cafe and restaurant sales held up well (bars and clubs actually increased their take by 12 per cent year on year). This year has been tough for some in the hospitality industry, with rain, rising living costs and specials on supermarket beer and wine conspiring to keep people at home. And the Herald understands the Loaded Hog at the Viaduct is also in line for renovation. Ponsonby restaurant Prohibition opened with a multimillion-dollar fit-out this month. Plush new decor will soon adorn Auckland eatery Kermadec and a 600-patron bar and restaurant complex at Victoria Park. Upmarket bars and restaurants are shrugging off fears of a recession with renovations stretching into the millions of dollars.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |