The restaurant, which opened in 1983, employs 19 staff, whose jobs are all on the line if a buyer or investor cannot be found, Glover said.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, he believes the business has \u201clong-term potential\u201d under new ownership, especially because of its prime location.<\/p>\n
The Mexican Cafe sits just 30m from Te Waihorotiu Station, which is projected to be the country\u2019s busiest train station when it opens later this year.<\/p>\n
SkyCity and the New Zealand International Convention Centre are directly across the street, while thousands of inner-city apartment residents and future CRL commuters are expected to drive significant foot traffic through the area.<\/p>\n
Mexican Cafe owner Bruce Glover says the restaurant has suffered through years of disruption caused by City Rail Link. Photo \/ Sylvie Whinray <\/p>\n
\u201cGenerations of Aucklanders have celebrated birthdays, first dates, anniversaries and special occasions within its walls, making it one of the city\u2019s most enduring hospitality institutions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The sale opportunity includes the business name, brand and trademarks, with the owners open to outright sale, investment, partnerships or operational takeover arrangements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mexican Cafe brand would be instantly scalable because of its strength,\u201d Glover said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still believe this restaurant has an incredible future, I just need the right person to take it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The business previously opened a second restaurant in Christchurch, however, it was lost in the 2011 earthquake.<\/p>\n
The appeal comes after the closure of a string of Auckland hospitality venues because of financial pressures.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, West Auckland restaurant The Grounds, opened by My Kitchen Rules New Zealand judge Ben Bayly announced it would close its doors for the final time<\/a> on Sunday.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat started as a restaurant<\/a> became so much more \u2013 a place filled with laughter, celebrations, friendships, late nights, busy mornings, loyal customers, and unforgettable memories,\u201d the business wrote on social media.<\/p>\n Last week, iconic downtown Auckland restaurant Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill announced it would close<\/a> after becoming \u201cno longer financially viable\u201d.<\/p>\n Owners Good Group Hospitality said the venue had struggled with \u201clower sales and ever-increasing costs\u201d in the years since the Covid pandemic.<\/p>\nGypsy Tea Room owner Brett Simeti said messages of support had poured in since news of the venue’s impending closure was announced. Photo \/ Annaleise Shortland<\/p>\n