The buzz from tourists and locals has elevated the hospitality sector within Christchurch, with new assets bringing in more customers.
Chris Penny, co-owner of 5th Street, said he has loved seeing more and more people come through Christchurch and that tourism brings an awesome vibe to the city.
One NZ Stadium is a major asset to Christchurch, according to Penny, and he was a huge fan of everything that it has done for so many people.
“Although we are quite distant from the stadium and may not directly benefit from the events, we think anything good for the city will in turn be good for the overall hospitality scene,” he said.
Penny agreed that the stadium will improve Christchurch businesses in the long-term, especially for hospitality.
“Even the businesses inside the stadium are so much cooler and at a much higher standard than other stadiums around the country. I think it's been a really great way to show off the level of what's happening down here. And then, of course, all the restaurants and bars in the area will do great every time something is on.”
Sports-related hospitality has always been strong in Christchurch, and after 15 years without a suitable stadium, its opening has introduced more opportunities for more businesses.
Penny said Cantabrians are sports mad, and that the recent Super Rugby Round felt more like a celebration of the rise of Christchurch as a whole instead of just rugby.
“Wherever there are celebrations, there are going to be hospitality venues.”
He added that meeting and serving people from all over the world has been both fun and interesting, and chatting to customers who have moved to Christchurch from all over the country has been really great. He said that the more residents and visitors who visit 5th Street can only be good for business.
Penny believed that 5th Street was unique because of its consistently cohesive culture within the team.
“Other than that, it's just good, honest food and drinks. We aim to deliver at a really high standard without taking ourselves too seriously, and I guess that resonates with the people of Christchurch.”
Business has remained steady over the last 12 months, and Penny said there are still a lot of the same familiar faces, which he is always grateful for and never takes for granted.
He said the biggest highlight over the last 12 months has been witnessing the city absolutely come alive, and that Christchurch is growing in so many ways.
“There seems to be an underlying optimism around the city, and being even a small part of that feels really awesome.”
Now that the stadium is complete, Penny would like to see attention directed towards the Cathedral. He’s curious to know what it would look like when it’s finished and what the square will look and feel like once it is all back open.
“I think it will feel like a really monumental occasion.”
5th Street opened in 2018 following the success of Hello Sunday Cafe. Over the years, it has become a staple of the Christchurch hospitality scene. Penny said the restaurant is fortunate to have immense customer loyalty, and to have a mix of regulars, tourists, and people celebrating special occasions.
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