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New Zealand’s hospitality industry continues to suffer with the news another Auckland restaurant plans to close.
The owner of Downtown Auckland eatery Monsoon Poon announced yesterday, March 3, that the restaurant, which has been part of the city’s hospitality scene for almost two decades, will shut.
“Due to the building being sold and set for demolition, our journey here is coming to an end.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our incredible staff, past and present, who have helped make this place what it is.
“A huge thank you to our loyal customers, friends, and suppliers – your support has meant the world to us. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.
“The city of Auckland has been so good to us, and we’ve enjoyed every single moment of serving our community.
“Though we’re saying goodbye to this chapter, we will cherish the memories and all the wonderful people we’ve met along the way.
“Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the cocktails, wines, and the shared meals.
“We will miss you all and will forever be grateful for the experiences and friendships that have come from this place.
“We hope you are able to make one or two last visits to enjoy your favourite dish or cocktail!”
The restaurant’s final dinner service will be on May 3.
The announcement on social media led to an outpouring of support from the restaurant’s loyal customers.
One person says it “brought modern Asian dining to the masses, breaking stereotypes and proving that incredible service, wine, and atmosphere could be just as much a part of the experience as the food”.
“You changed the way people saw Asian cuisine, and in doing so, you became a staple of Auckland’s dining scene for nearly 20 years.
“You weren’t just a business – you were a family. Generations of staff walked through your doors, building lifelong friendships, relationships, and even ‘Poon babies’.
“You endured when others faded, outlasting every ‘next big thing’ with a spirit that couldn’t be replicated.”
The closing of Monsoon Poon adds to a growing list of restaurants and bars in Auckland which have shut in the past year or two, including SPQR, Conch Kitchen and Bar, Chapel Bar and Bistro, Madame George, Pilkingtons Restaurant and Bar, Bar Non Solo and MoVida.
Industry leaders have labelled the situation the country’s hospitality sector is facing a “crisis”.
