Restaurant future uncertain

The Homestead Family Restaurant in Masterton is facing closure that could leave up to nine workers jobless, says Trust House chief executive Allan Pollard.

Mr Pollard said yesterday the closure of the southern High St business was "a possibility at this stage" and a decision regarding its future would be made by the end of the week.

He said there are up to nine mostly part-time workers at the restaurant, which began trading as the Homestead Family Restaurant about two years ago after the closure of the Cobb & Co franchise at the premises.

The restaurant is housed in premises that were constructed as part of the Homestead Tavern complex in the 1970s.

Mr Pollard said staff feedback had been sought and he had been reluctant but compelled to weigh the possibility of closure.

"Market forces have been a big factor and it's not a decision I really want to consider," he said.

"But at the end of the day we have to close what is not returning a profit - for the good of the community - which is why we're here."

Mr Pollard said an announcement would be made once a decision has been reached about the restaurant.