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QUEENSTOWN BAR OWNER LAUNCHES MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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June, 2023

From the beaches of Mexicos Baja California peninsula to Beach
St, Queenstown.
Thats the culinary journey being evoked by Wolf Hospitality
Groups latest venue, Baja, which opens today in Flame
restaurants former premises.
Owner Pete Jefford, whose other venues are Brazz, The London,
Pier, Boardwalk and The Crown, says hes harboured the idea of a
Mexican restaurant for about eight years.
His idea behind Baja is to create a fun, informal atmosphere
where the flavours of Mexico mix with New Zealand produce such
as lamb and venison.
A favourite, he predicts, will be crayfish tacos.
In addition to 75 seats, overlooking Earnslaw Park, a separate bar
area will feature specialties including margaritas and handcrafted
cocktails.
Features of the interior, designed by architects Warren &
Mahoney, are fishing basket-looking lamp shades and cactus
plants.
Jefford says with his latest venture which will open from 11am
to 11pm, seven days a week hell now employ about 120 staff.
In light of the rental housing crisis, hes taken the head lease of
two properties, housing about 12 staff, and is looking for a third.
Its been key to keeping a couple of our managers onboard,
group ops manager Ellen Murphy says.
Queenstown bar baron Pete Jefford is gathering a full head of
steam.
While preparing to open, today, his sixth local hospo venue
Mexican restaurant, Baja, on Lower Beach St Jeffords Wolf
Hospitality Groups also just signed for a third business in nearby
Steamer Wharf, Pub on Wharf.
When youve got two businesses in the precinct [Pier and
Boardwalk restaurants], and Steamer Wharf is a very iconic part of
Queenstown, it just makes sense, he says.
I think its a great addition, its a great business.
Jefford says he intends continuing the good work outgoing
owner Chris Buckley and his team have poured into Pub on Wharf
for the past 14 years.
We absolutely foresee business as usual. If it aint broken, you
dont need to fix it.
Colliers sales blurb for the venue states: The annual revenue of
2023 demonstrates that this venue is an extremely strong one
when compared with many others in Queenstown.
Wolf Hospitality takes over the venue June 26.

Source: Mountain Scene