Back in 2016, we (Shani & Snedden) opened the doors to our very first restaurant — with a tight budget, a bold dream, and a whole lot of heart. I (Shani) was just 19 at the time, a bornand-raised Hawke’s Bay local with South African heritage that heavily influences our food. Snedden, my husband and partner in all things, had moved to New Zealand from India, bringing his own rich food culture and passion for hospitality.
Together, we saw a gap in the local food scene — a place where bold, flame-grilled flavours met warm, down-to-earth service — and we went for it. We couldn’t have predicted the wave of support that followed.
From day one, we built our business on family values — ours and yours. One of the first things we did was rip out the old pokie room left behind by the previous owners and replace it with a dedicated kids' space. We’ve always wanted to create a place where families could gather, eat well, and feel truly welcome.
But our journey didn’t stop at four walls.
When the summer months hit, we noticed things quieting down in the restaurant while Hawke’s Bay came alive with events and festivals. So just nine months in, we took our food to the streets with our very first Rib Truck. It was a game changer — not only did it keep us connected to the community, it created a perfect flow between our trucks and the restaurant.Customers would discover us on the road, then find their way to our tables — and vice versa.
No matter how much we grow, our mission stays the same: to serve real food, made with love, and to create a space where people feel like part of the family.
We’re so glad you’re part of our journey — and we can’t wait to feed you.
