Iconic Wānaka cafe to close
Southern Lakes-based hospitality group Dropping Inn has today announced the sale of its popular Wānaka cafe and restaurant, Urban Grind.
The eatery on Ardmore Street will close its doors at 2pm next Monday, 9 June, in preparation for new proprietors to take over the premise next week. A new Italian restaurant will be developed by Queenstown-based Giovi Fine Food, with employment opportunities offered to all existing Urban Grind staff.
Dropping Inn director Matt Laming says Urban Grind has been a Wānaka institution since the business opened 14 years ago, but the time is right for the change of ownership.
“We are really proud of the customer experience Urban Grind has delivered over that 14 years, and being part of the Wānaka community,” he says. “But we’re looking forward to welcoming the next addition to Wānaka’s hospitality scene, which is very exciting.”
Laming says the sale happened quickly, and the new proprietors intend to have the premise closed for a short renovation period before launching their new offering in Wanakaon 27 July. Any customers holding Dropping Inn vouchers or loyalty points will still be able to redeem them at alternative Dropping Inn venues.
“We’re inviting the community to come into Urban Grind next Monday (9 June) and enjoy a free slice of cake with every coffee purchased as a final celebration,” he adds.
Dropping Inn is the company behind many of Wānaka’s most successful hospitality haunts, including Hello Ranger, Treehouse, b.social and the Hāwea Hotel. Laming says he and the Dropping Inn team remain committed to these high-quality community establishments.
“Wānaka has a very strong hospitality industry and it’s important for us to continue our interests there,” says Laming. “The only difference is, there may be some of the locals’ favourite Urban Grind menu items appearing in our other venues – so be sure to check them out.”
New owners Giovi Fine Food have three successful restaurants already operating in Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown. The Wānaka restaurant will be called Bambina by Giovi and is expected to open 27 June.
Founder Giovanna Boventi says the restaurant will bring an authentic Italian culinary experience to Wānaka.
“I am very happy to bring our fresh, homemade pasta, ravioli, lasagna and other delicatessen to Wānaka after successfully serving locals and tourists in Giovi and Farelli in Queenstown, and Bianca in Arrowtown,” she says. “Bambina will be a piece of Italy right in the heart of Wānaka and we look forward to continuing the legacy with the customers of Urban Grind, although with a different twist.”
Bambina by Giovi will present a very similar offering to the other Giovi restaurants with a focus on homemade, quality dishes at an affordable price.
“Bambina will be a restaurant for everyone, from locals and tourists to large groups or weekday working lunches,” Boventi adds. “It will impress even the most discerning food and wine connoisseurs with our authentic dishes and Italian wines, as well as families looking for a nice place to enjoy a delicious pizza.”
Boventi has more than 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in both Italy and New Zealand. From a winemaking family in the renowned Franciacorta area, her family wine brand La Montina produces award-winning brut, rose’ and saten sparkling wines which are served exclusively in Giovi restaurants.
“We are very excited to come to Wānaka and look forward to serving the local community our beautiful food,” she says. “Bambina by Giovi will be a place to spend time in an Italian ambience with real Italian food and wine, and of course some typical Italian lively atmosphere. Vi aspetto a Wānaka.”
