Business booming at the Waterfront
A Raumati bar is reaping the rewards of extensive renovations and rebranding, and its co-owner says he is fulfilling his dream in the process.
Since September Ricardo Reis, and Kapiti-raised Blair Nicholl and Kate Whiting, have run The Waterfront Bar, overlooking the ocean at Marine Gardens.
Reis, born in London, has been in hospitality since the age of 14, working as a chef, bartender, liquor rep and manager.
He started at his mother’s restaurant, and his career took him around the world, bartending for Elton John, the Sauber Formula 1 team, and at the MTV Europe Awards, before he arrived in Kapiti three years ago.
‘‘I saw New Zealand as my land of opportunity,’’ he said.
‘‘I lived in the most denselypopulated area in Europe for 16 years ... now I look out the window. I’m really fulfilling my dream.
‘‘We believe Raumati is the jewel in the Kapiti Coast crown.’’
Reis, Nicholl and Whiting wanted to rebrand the business from the ‘‘sports bar’’ it was before they took over.
Reis said patronage had risen ‘‘at least 30 per cent’’ since the revamp began, while Nicholl said last December was the busiest in the 12 years of records for the premises.
‘‘It’s superseded all expectations ... the community has been so receptive,’’ Reis said.
‘‘Everyone is so happy with the changes made.’’
The premises had been ‘‘stripped back to the bare bones’’, Reis said, with the floor redone and walls repainted.
Concrete-topped tables had been placed on the deck, and the deck’s capacity increased by about 25 per cent.
The bar’s new light fixtures, salvaged from Russian and Japanese ships, have also been installed.
Changes have been made to both the food and drinks menus, while events including a DJ set every Wednesday night, and a dance party once a month, have begun.
‘‘We wanted it to be something the whole community could use, where the kids want to come for brunch, or parents come or a romantic dinner, or where people come for a drink with friends on a Sunday afternoon,’’ Nicholl said.
‘‘It really is Ricardo’s baby. He’s definitely the best bartender the Kapiti Coast has ever seen.
‘‘We’re huge believers in his ability.’’