With the American Express Shop Small campaign shining a light on local businesses, and recent restrictions taking their toll on the hospitality industry, now is a vital time to get behind your neighbourhood restaurants and cafés. “Initiatives like American Express’ Shop Small movement are more important than ever”, says Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, which is lending its support to the campaign. “The local hospitality industry has faced numerous challenges in the last 18 months, all the more difficult for small businesses who rely on consistent customer traffic to stay afloat."
New Zealanders are famously resilient and adaptive, and many eateries in the American Express network have launched innovative ways to keep their customers fed. From at-home meal kits and high-end takeaways, to gift vouchers for future celebrations, there are plenty of ways to show your support and Shop Small.
Ahi: At Home Meal Kits
This bold, fine dining restaurant located in Commercial Bay is rooted in locality and honouring the best of local produce — things that gastronomes can still enjoy thanks to its 'Ahi at Home' experience. Available for delivery and pick up, 'The Garden Box' includes fresh, organic produce from the Ahi kitchen garden and the restaurant's favourite suppliers, allowing customers to assemble a multi-course menu at home (and channel their inner Ben Bayly). Ahirestaurant.co.nz
Xuxu: Vouchers
This intimate, verdant downtown spot is a well-known location for date nights and catch-ups with friends. Popular with city-dwellers and a destination for other Aucklanders, Xuxu's duck and leek dumplings with hoisin dipping source are famously good — as are its delicious cocktails. Though the doors are shut during Level 3 restrictions, Xuxu is offering gift vouchers for future enjoyment; a great way to support its business and giving you something to look forward to. Xuxu.co.nz
Ampersand: Takeaways & Brunch Kits
Beloved for its brunches, this Orakei eatery is making them available as part of its takeaway offering in meal-kit form. 'The Lavish Brunch' contains everything you need to have a café-quality meal — including Ampersand's signature house-made sourdough loaf and burnt butter, chermoula, house-smoked salmon, kransky sausages, curious cropper tomatoes and Espresso Workshop coffee beans. Ampersandeatery.nz
Cornwall Park Bistro: Takeaways
This scenic spot is situated in one of the best locations in town, and what better place to enjoy takeaways than the lush surrounds of Cornwall Park? Well-known establishment Cornwall Park Bistro is offering a special barbecue menu on weekends — with delicious lemon roast chicken picnic packs, succulent skewers (lamb kofta, pork belly and beef) and more available to takeaway. Cornwallparkeateries.com/bistro
Akito: Takeaways
A popular café in Waiheke's Oneroa village, Akito's ethos (which centres on slow, plant-based food) has proved popular with the island's residents and visitors alike. During Level 3 restrictions, the café continues to offer its popular lunch fare to take away — including special filled roti, like egg, mushroom and bean. Akito.co.nz
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Paris Butter: Vouchers
A Herne Bay hotspot with French flair, Paris Butter's indulgent menu makes the most of local produce while drawing inspiration from Gallic cuisine. Paris Butter is perfect for special occasions, and though its doors are closed during Level 3, vouchers are available and make for an excellent gift or opportunity for celebration. Parisbutter.co.nz
Cheek & Chong: Takeaways
An Orewa eatery with an Instagram-famous wagyu beef steamed bun with sriracha mayo, pickled cucumber and coriander, this restaurant is doing takeaways, and is well placed for customers to enjoy them beach-side. Cheekandchong.co.nz
Shop Small has returned to New Zealand for its second year. Founded by American Express, Shop Small aims to celebrate small businesses, highlight their importance within our communities and rally consumers to support them. There’s a win for shoppers too. If you save the Shop Small offer to your eligible American Express Card, you’ll receive $5 back for every $10 spent at participating small businesses online and instore.* Visit amex.co.nz/shop-small for more information on how to redeem the Shop Small Card Member offer and discover small businesses in your area.
*Up to 10 times. Offer ends 30/11/2021. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
