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When it comes to hospitality, Mandie and Scott Greer have impressive resumes, working front of house and as head chef in high-end restaurants in Italy, England, and NZ over more than three decades.
The Stanmore Bay couple have now launched their own venture, a restaurant quickly making its mark on Ōrewa’s popular promenade.
Since opening, The Fat Oyster is attracting customers of all ages keen to sample a menu that champions oysters but also much more. Some have already become regulars.
Since moving to the Coast three years ago, Scott and Mandie had struggled to find the kind of eatery they would enjoy visiting on rare nights out. Now they’ve created that themselves: a casual, beachy vibe, elegant food and drink offerings – and an oversized bar.
“We went for a large bar because we want people to be able to dine around it,” says Scott. “You can sit around the bar, enjoy some oysters, a cocktail, chat to the barman – even if you come in alone. No-one seems to offer that around here.”
During the four-week fit-out, they intentionally interacted with the community, not boarding up the premises but inviting curious passersby to pop their heads in.
Mandie’s previous job was at a 200-seater establishment on Auckland’s waterfront.
“That was a walk in the park,” she laughs. “This one terrifies me, because it’s so little. We want everything to be perfect.”
“We’ve done high-end all of our lives. It’s time for us to do what we want now – and we’re having fun!”
Scott says special events such as oyster nights are planned.
“We’re only just getting started.”
Business Directory: The Fat Oyster
