Twenty hospitality businesses across New Zealand have been shortlisted for over $26,000 worth of Covid-19 recovery
prizes, thanks to a ‘support local’ hospitality competition.
Hospo Lifeline is a ‘positive takeaway from Covid’ created by FirstEATS – an online takeaway directory and community
project by restaurant discovery website First Table.
The shortlist includes restaurants, cafes, food stores and ‘hole in the wall’ eateries offering takeaway from Just Fish
and Chips (JFC) in Paihia to Sachie's Kitchen in Auckland to The Flying Burrito Brothers in Wellington to East St in
Nelson and Taco Medic in Queenstown.
FirstEATS founder Mat Weir says the competition highlights the challenges faced in recovery by many Kiwi eateries and
reinforces why the community project was created – to help the hospitality industry.
“Our entrants had to explain their circumstances, as well as state what they’re doing to bounce back and why they’re
deserving of the prize,” he says.
“With entries received from all across the country, it has put a spotlight on the common struggles currently faced by
those in the industry and why they need our kindness.
“The most common challenges for business owners include operating with yo-yo-ing level restrictions and not knowing what
the future holds – which leads to their ability to cover expenses and retain staff. It’s no small feat, and that’s why
we’re looking forward to being able to support one business through the next stage.”
A panel of judges will be reviewing the shortlisted entries over the coming days, with the winner being announced on
September 30.
“Our industry judges will be ranking the applicants based on their individual needs, and how the support package will
positively impact and assist their response to the effects of Covid-19,” says Mat.
“We commend each and every business that took the time to enter Hospo Lifeline and those that made it this far. Every
business is deserving in its own right, so it's going to be tough selecting our winner.”
The prize includes support for online marketing, branding, strategy, financial and subscriptions from FirstEATS, in
partnership with Deloitte, Hype & Dexter, Xero, Restaurant Association of New Zealand, Not Another™, The Hospitality Company, Loaded, Chomp, First Table
and YEAH! LOCAL.
Please see the full list of shortlisted businesses below:
Just Fish and Chips (JFC) in Paihia
Miss Moonshine’s in Auckland
Sachie's Kitchen in Auckland
Hammer & Tongs Food Stop in Auckland
Scarecrow in Auckland
Joe's Eatery in Auckland
Steamheads in Auckland
Venosa in Auckland
The Garden Shed in Auckland
Talisman Hotel, Garden Bar & Bistro in Katikati, Tauranga
The Flying Burrito Brothers in Wellington
Sweet Release in Wellington
East St in Nelson
Rollickin' Gelato in Christchurch
Spagalimis Pizzeria in Christchurch
Alice May Restaurant in Franz Josef
Habebes Cafe in Queenstown
Taco Medic in Queenstown
Erik's Fish and Chips in Queenstown
Love Chicken in Queenstown