Full steam ahead for Depot Eatery

Chef Al Brown working the tables at his restaurant The Depot on Federal St. Photo / Jason Oxenham, New Zealand Herald

Sliders and freshly shucked oysters will be back on the menu sooner than expected at celebrity chef Al Brown's fire damaged Auckland restaurants.

His eateries Depot and the adjacent Federal Delicatessen were closed 10 days ago in a blaze which also led to the evacuation of hundreds of people from the Sky City building.

Brown originally feared Federal Delicatessen would be shut for months but said yesterday repairs were ahead of schedule.

"We were very lucky the fire was contained to the ducting system so damage was caused mainly to the joint kitchen," he told the Herald on Sunday. "Things have been moving well and I expect Depot to be open within a week to 10 days, top.

"We should be back selling sliders and oysters by then. A limited offering of lunch and dinner, but not breakfast, should also be available at the delicatessen within a fortnight."

Brown said fire warning and safety systems at the restaurants - which employ about 100 staff - prevented more extensive damage.

"You spend a lot of money upfront on things like foam and ducting systems," he said "But when something like this happens you realise it was a very wise decision to do so, otherwise things could have been a lot worse."

Brown remained philosophical about the disruption.

"Thankfully no one was hurt," he said. "I am also grateful for the overwhelming support from our customers and other restaurants in the area while we have been getting back on our feet."