New eatery to open soon at Waiterere Beach
Ollies Bar and Eatery plans mid-December start date
Shauna Goodin had her eye on what used to be Pipi Point, the restaurant at Waiterere Beach for a while, and when it didn’t reopen after lockdown and was advertised for sale, she jumped at the opportunity.
The former sportsco-ordinator from Horowhenua College had been working ‘the tools’ for the last two years with her husband Hayden in a construction business, laying foundations for buildings, until she became pregnant and had to stop the physical work.
Since then Shauna has been focused on getting a great food and drink business in Waiterere Beach.
Shauna, Hayden, Shauna’s parents and brother Aston got together to take on the lease on the building and will be opening Ollies Bar and Eatery mid-December.
None have any experience in hospitality but Shauna got expert advice.
“I was inspired by Long Beach in Waikanae — that city quality bar and food but with a rustic, beach vibe.”
Shauna has been mentored by the owner of Long Beach, Todd Cameron, who has helped her put plans together for Ollies Bar and Eatery.
A bar manager has been employed who previously managed the bar at the Tongariro Chateaux, and a chef who was previously working in a restaurant/ brewery in Wellington.
They will manage their areas of the business while Shauna manages the business overall. Understanding that housing would be an issue employing staff, Shauna secured a rental house where the bar manager and his wife, and the chef are living.
The family have been busy renovating the building and fitting it out since July. Now they are just waiting on their kitchen, with equipment delayed through Covid-19.
Shauna and the new team have spent time researching the market — other businesses like Long Beach, food suppliers, and most importantly, asking the locals for their views.
“We delivered paper surveys in the neighbourhood, not expecting to get many back,” said Shauna. “We were
blown away by the response. There has been so much support, ideas of the sort of food to serve, lots of lovely messages.”
Ollies will be serving burgers, steak, lamb meals, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, and takeaways will be back on the
menu for the beach visitors.
There will also be coffee all day. Wherever possible, food will be sourced locally. The chef has already been out and about checking out butchers and fruit/vegetable suppliers.
All members of Shauna’s family are getting their liquor licences and barrista training
so they can hop in and help wherever is needed. There will be a total of nine staff plus the family back up team.
The inspiration behind the name Ollie is the family dog — a border collie cross husky — co-owned by Shauna and her parents. He will be visiting the new outdoor dining area.