Introducing: Dizzy Lizzy’s

Liz and Martin Hutchin started Dizzy Lizzy’s in Silverdale two and a half years ago to create an atmosphere that would brighten people’s day.

“The idea is to make people happy, even if they are just taking 10 minutes out of their day for a milkshake.

“In 1950s-style movies, like Grease, I love how everyone is always smiling and I thought ‘this is what we need’. Rock n’ roll makes people happy and brings people together. It’s the kind of music everyone enjoys, from children to grandparents.”

Last year the couple sold the Silverdale premises, which continues to operate under the same theme, and relocated to Mangawhai for a more relaxed pace of life.

“We’ve always come here during time off. It’s so peaceful and the people are lovely.

“I started riding a bike again for the first time in 25 years!”

Keeping with the 1950s theme, the menu is inspired by the American diner, with milkshakes, hot dogs and cajun chicken wings.

They also make their own gelato on site, with 32 flavours on offer. It has proved so popular their daughter Ayla has started working to keep up with demand and they are looking to expand production to sell to high-end restaurants.

Liz says her life has been driven by “thinking big”, but she has backed up bold ideas with hard work.

After a stint living in London and working at Hyatt hotels, she opened a secondhand clothing store in Beach Haven when her son was just three months old. When she left the industry five years later she owned five stores.

She says she got her work ethic from her parents, who moved to New Zealand from Samoa in the 1950s.

“I am the only daughter and second youngest in a family of 11, so I learned you have to work hard to get ahead.”