The cheekily named Love Mussel at Whangarei's Quayside precinct is on the verge of being sold with new owners planning to re-open as an Asian Kiwi fusion eatery.
The pending sale of Love Mussel comes less than two years after it opened in the two storeyed, veranda-fringed corner building where several cafes and bars have come and gone over the years.
It will be reopened by Lloyd Rooney and Michael Fraser, who said they haven't muscled out their rivals, just taken advantage of what might have been a lease up for grabs.
They are the successful partnership behind The Quay, in the former Reva's on the Waterfront across the courtyard from Love Mussel. They also own The Cove at Waipu, The Dune at Mangawhai and The Vege Shed, an organic garden at Mangakaramea where they grow produce for the restaurants.
The Love Mussel was opened by Sandra McLean-Woods who also has interests in the Kensington Tavern and its adjacent Italian restaurant, Red.
Ms McLean-Woods said she did not want to comment at this stage about the closure of Love Mussel.