Brothers operate restaurant complex

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 48

Brothers operate restaurant complex

The new Clarendon restaurant complex is jointly operated by two brothers, John and David French. David is the general manager, and John is catering manager. Both have had extensive experience in the food industry in Britain, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia as well as in New Zealand. They are also partners in Merivale’s Shakespeare Restaurant which is enjoying new success following its change to a brasserie style of service. David was the executive chef at the Chateau Regency and became the hotel’s general manager. He then spent two years with the new Cotswold Inn in Papanui Road. In the meantime, John worked with the hotel and restaurant industry in Australia and returned to New Zealand to go into partnership with David. The French brothers believe that the new Clarendon Towers restaurant complex is in keeping with overseas facilities. One of the most critical aspects of the restaurants was the pricing structure. “We need to produce upmarket cuisine that is affordable,” David says.

“There have been a number of higher priced restaurants that have closed. We are aiming at a higher throughput with a lower spending per person. “Our overseas trips confirmed that we have the right approach. Overseas, people are getting value for money,” he says. David believes that the complex will attract a cross section of people including tourists and other visitors to Christchurch. It will also cater for the office staff of around 1000 working in Clarendon Towers as well as other inner city people, tradespeople and families, “We have not specifically aimed the complex at any one group. There is something here for everyone,” David French says. “Families will especially enjoy visiting Rossini’s restaurant on the ground floor.” The French brothers are sure that the new Clarendon will set new standards for eating out in Christchurch. All staff selected have had extensive backgrounds in the food industry. They have recently been involved in a full training programme with special emphasis on the importance of team-

work and service. Commitment, loyalty and a positive attitude form the foundation for the Clarendon team, and specialised skills in their particular field, coupled with a desire to be the best in the industry, make for a lively working environment.