A popular east Auckland eatery has slashed its menu prices to get more people through the doors and to help diners struggling with the cost of living.
Everyone knows the New Zealand economy is in a downturn and the hospitality sector is among those struggling the most.
With that in mind, The Apothecary Licensed Eatery in Howick’s Picton Street introduced the deals several weeks ago and they’ll run for as long as they’re working to attract customers.
Its early bird specials breakfast menu features Eggs any style served on toast, Porridge, Baked beans and egg, and Mince on toast all for $10 each.
The dinner specials feature Macaroni and cheese for $12 and Lamb Rogan Josh, Spaghetti Bolognese, Mushroom pasta, Fish and chips, and Bangers and mash for $15.
“We’re very wary of how the economy is,” Apothecary co-owner Ted Waters says.
“A lot of restaurants are laying people off at the moment and closing which is the worst case scenario.
“So we are trying to come up with deals like the early bird special which are so cheap.
“We know they’re so cheap. They have to be for people to notice a good deal.
“If we don’t [lower prices], we have to cut hours and we don’t want to cut hours because we want to hold onto our really good team.
“So if we don’t face the economy head-on and try things, nothing’s going to change, and it’s just going to get worse.”
Waters says the lower menu prices can be a gateway to entice new customers into the eatery.
They’ll also be appealing to families who realise they can feed four people for $40 for breakfast or $60 for dinner.
“At the moment our staff are there and we either keep busy and try and maintain foot traffic or we don’t and people drift away. It’s very hard to get them back again
“Customer patterns are what we want to maintain with our business and when things get better those customers are in the pattern.
“We have to incentivise people to come out with deals like this early-bird special, our steak night and the hot dog challenge.
“It’s a bit of fun and we want to show that hospitality is a fun night out with friends.”
