An east Auckland business group says the sudden closure of one of the local community’s most iconic eateries is “very unfortunate”.
Fisher House bar and grill in Highbrook was placed into liquidation on August 1.
Business East Tamaki general manager Ruth White says it’s very unfortunate to see a “hallmark restaurant for the area like Fisher House go into liquidation”.
“Business East Tamaki is not familiar with the individual circumstances of Fisher House, but in the current economic climate of reduced household and corporate spending, the hospitality sector has been hard hit.
“Clearly the notable closure of SPQR in the city announced a few weeks ago is another example of restaurants succumbing to the downturn in a recessionary climate, combined with Fisher House shows how widely the restaurant sector is being affected.”
PKF Corporate Recovery and Insolvency (Auckland) Limited has been appointed liquidator of the business.
A notice was initially attached to the restaurant’s front door that states: “Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we regret to advise that Fisher House is now closed.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.”
The notice has since been removed. The restaurant’s website explains some of the building’s storied history.
“Fisher House is located in the historical Ra Ora stud homestead, constructed in 1962 by Sir Woolf and Lady Fisher. The homestead is part of their expansive 177-acre racing horse stud farm.
“During the 1960s and 70s, Fisher House hosted an elite roster of notable figures, including the esteemed Queen Mother herself.
“Sir Woolf achieved great success as the leader of the iconic New Zealand company Fisher and Paykel, and Ra Ora gained fame in the realm of horse racing.”
Fisher House director Mark Nicholls told the Times he wasn’t sure what he can say but in a recent social media post on the NZ Hospo Facebook page he wrote that his “dream had ended”.
“I feel devastated not only for myself, but more importantly, my staff who have been left unemployed.
“I am grateful for their support, especially today when we had to break the news to them.
“I am sure that in a few days, I will feel better, but the pain is deep right now.”
