End of an era at Avenue
The end of this month marks the end of an era for Levin restaurant The Avenue.
The popular eatery is set to close its doors after more than three decades serving up traditional, hearty dishes to loyal regulars and visiting diners from far and wide.
Kevin and Ngaire Eriksen have owned and run the business for the last 15 years, a busy lifestyle that has meant long hours, early starts and late finishes.
They are looking forward to retiring after the restaurant’s final night on March 31, with plans to take a well-deserved break and spend more time with family.
“It will be nice for us to have time to spend together. It has been long hours — especially for Kevin,” Ngaire said. “It will be quite an adjustment though.”
She said the loyal, regular clients they had served over the years would be one of the things she would miss the most, especially as lots of them have become friends.
From drop-in diners to regular local families, as well as large groups, clubs and organisations, The Avenue has catered for many people over the years. Ngaire said they had also been blessed with the people who had worked for them during that time.
“We’ve had wonderful staff,” she said. “It’s been very hard to tell them we’re closing.”
Fifteen years in the businesses means the pair could provide work opportunities to young people — something they are very proud of. They want to catch up on things at home and then plan to take a holiday. However, hospitality will still be on the agenda, as Kevin’s daughter has just bought a cafe in Oamaru which they hoped to visit.
“We’ve got a few chores to do round home first though,” said Ngaire. The Eriksens are grateful to all their customers and staff over the years.
“We just want to say thank you,” said Ngaire.