A popular restaurant in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby is saying goodbye “with the heaviest of hearts” amid “incredibly challenging times” in the hospitality industry. <\/p>\n
The owners of Southeast Asian fusion eatery Mekong Baby on Ponsonby Rd announced their decision to close after 13 years in business in a post to social media this evening. <\/p>\n
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have had to close the doors of Mekong Baby,” the post said.<\/p>\n
“We have poured our hearts into it. We have worked through long days, late nights, incredibly challenging times and all of the ups and downs that come with running a hospitality business. We have always believed that if we worked hard enough, cared enough and kept giving our best, we could keep going.<\/p>\n
“But sometimes, hard work alone isn\u2019t enough.”<\/p>\n
Owners Marcin and Jackie Kulak said the hospitality industry had “changed enormously over the last few years, and sadly, it has never truly returned to what it was before Covid”. <\/p>\n
“The economic pressures of the past few years have continued to build, making running Mekong Baby no longer financially sustainable,” the Kulaks said.<\/p>\n
“We have fought incredibly hard to keep going. Including selling our family home, and putting every penny to our name back into the business. <\/p>\n
“Eventually, we had to accept that continuing was no longer viable.”<\/p>\n
Only 1 in 5 workers say their benefits meet their needs, as rising living costs make flexible work, extra leave and cost-saving perks more valuable. (Source: Breakfast)<\/p>\n
The pair thanked their “incredible” staff, adding: “You have been such an important part of our story, the kindness and love you have shown us over the years & especially now during our darkest time, will never be forgotten”. <\/p>\n
“And to every single customer who has walked through the doors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.<\/p>\n
“With love, gratitude and broken hearts, Jackie & Marcin.”<\/p>\n