Experienced hospitality company West End Hospitality Group (WEHG) has been selected as Nelson Airport’s new cafe and bar tenant following a publicly advertised process.
The new tenant will lead a primary hospitality redevelopment in the Nelson Airport terminal to deliver a café and bar experience that creates a more customer-engaging and unique space for travellers, greeters and locals alike. Planning and construction will take place over the next six months.
Nelson Airport acting chief executive Simon Barr said the airport would work collaboratively with WEHG to develop a new food and beverage concept within the terminal that celebrates the Nelson-Tasman region. In the meantime, WEHG will operate out of the existing café whilst planning and construction takes place.
Simon said WEHG had a strong track record and reputation for providing high-quality food and beverage experiences, with outlets throughout New Zealand under a variety of brands.
WEHG co-owner Craig Macfarlane said he was excited by the opportunity to create a quality food and beverage experience with a local provenance flavour that builds on the exceptional Nelson Airport experience.
“We have a thorough understanding of airport customer insights, and we pride ourselves on delivering a quality hospitality experience. We intend to be a unique eatery offer in the Nelson airport terminal, showcasing local suppliers and enhancing customer experience. We intend to offer a broad range of food and beverage to cater for the varying needs of travellers. From fresh baked pastries, artisan bread items, salads, grab and go, local beers and wines through to an a la carte menu.”
WEHG was selected following a comprehensive Expression of Interest process to award a new lease. The current terminal food and beverage lease, held by Spotless, expires on 8 October. WEHG will begin operating on 9 October from the current premise.
The current McCashins Bar in the terminal will close from 23 September in preparation for the changes required for the new cafe/bar.