A taste of old Louisiana
One of the more colourful barrestaurant businesses in the Wynyard Quarter is on the market for sale. The North Wharf establishment “Miss Clawdy”, well known for cuisine and decor evoking South and Central America, is being sold by LINK Business broker Nick Giles.
“This very cool venue is not insignificant in size, having room for 91 seated diners inside; 39 outside and additional space for 12 seated (or 25 standing) in the impressive bar area,” says Giles.
“Decor is vibrant, with the laidback feel of old Louisiana and the busy open kitchen is a real focal point for diners as they enter the premises,” he adds.
“Food ranges from po’boys (Louisiana sandwiches) and jambalaya with creole butter to delicious key-lime pie.
“The ‘look’ here is gorgeous — with hand-made patterns and vibrant colours on the walls, plus hand-painted floors and plants that peek through the cracks in the woodwork. It all adds up to evoke the old southern Mississippi tropics.
Inspired by a 1952 New Orleans hit single, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, the eatery, which opened in 2013, has become one of the go-to places on North Wharf, he says.
“The kitchen is a flurry of hot plates, fresh flavours and amazing aromas.
Dishes are designed for sharing and are big on flavour and the team welcomes people dining alone, through to larger groups, with one table seating 15.”
Giles says the asking price for Miss Clawdy is $925,000.
“Sales are around $2m per annum and there is huge scope here, with the ongoing development of this important area, to further grow this figure. Wynyard Quarter is one of the prime growth sites in the Auckland Region with many blue chip companies moving in to the area, the development of the Five-star Hyatt Hotel and numerous new apartment buildings”.
Part of a popular strip of restaurants and bars to the rear of Wynyard Quarter, Miss Clawdy’s neighbours include Baduzzi, Thai Street, 16 Tun and ASB’s new Head Quarters. “It really stands out as a fun place to visit,” says Giles.
“Not only is the decor vibrant but the busy open kitchen is a real focal point for diners as they enter the premises.
“And while not huge by commercial kitchen standards, it is extremely efficient and works perfectly for this business.
“The restaurant has been designed by Cheshire Architects and the fit-out is excellent. From the moment you walk through the doors there’s no doubt that you’re entering a premium hospitality business.”
Miss Clawdy enjoys a Social Media presence with over 21,000 Facebook followers.
The brand is well defined and, as Giles says, “Miss Clawdy is a concept that could quite easily be replicated through the country. It has great systems in place and the offering is very straightforward.”
“Whilst Wynyard Quarter has had challenges due to major construction in the area over the last couple of years, it is an extremely important part of the Auckland Hospitality scene and, with the benefit of present development, plus the impending America’s Cup there’s every indication businesses here have a strong future,” says Giles.
“By the time Wynyard Quarter is fully developed in 2030, it will be home to around 3000 residents and 25,000 workers.”