Ponsonby's Little Bird Kitchen is for sale. Photo / Supplied
Ponsonby's Little Bird Kitchen is for sale. Photo / Supplied
After more than 15 years, the owners of an award-winning Ponsonby cafe and retail store have listed their business for sale.
Wholefood producer and eatery Little Bird Kitchen specialises in raw, plant-based, and organic foods. As well as its pioneering ‘Unbakery’ the brand produces a retail range of allergy-friendly packagedproducts.
Megan May, who founded Little Bird Kitchen in 2010, told the Herald now felt “like the right time” to sell.
“The last five years have been pretty challenging, and that wouldn’t have been the ideal moment for someone new to step in. Now, with the economy starting to shift, it feels like there’s renewed energy and opportunity.“
First operating from a commercial kitchen in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland, growing demand saw the business expand into a larger Ponsonby premises in 2013.
The Summer St space was designed by May’s husband, architect Jeremy Bennett, and features exposed brick walls, large picture windows and warm timbers.
May said there had already been some interest in the business. Photo / Supplied
May says the intention with the sale is “for someone to come in and grow and expand on what we’ve already created”.
“It’s an incredible business — the team, the customers, the suppliers, the retailers — it’s something truly special and a big part of the community we have people coming to eat here from all over the world.
“We want that to continue and thrive for everyone involved, including ourselves. I’d love to still be eating there in another 16 years, even if I’m no longer involved.”
Being marketed by ABC business sales brokers Richard Stevens and Johnny Wiggins, separate listings for the brand and cafe state the business has a wholesale revenue of $1.1m, and the cafe annual revenue is $1.6m+.
The business is said to offer “multiple revenue streams and is well suited to FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), retail, or export-focused buyers seeking an established brand with in-house production capability”.
Speaking to expectations she had around the sale price and timeframe, May says valuing a business is always complex.
“Building a trusted brand takes years of hard work, and there’s significant value in that for the next owner, even if it’s not always easy to quantify. Ultimately, the price will be determined by the market.”
May said there had already been some interest in the business, but she was holding out for the right buyer.
“More than anything, we’re looking for the right person or people — those who understand the business, share the values, and have the capability to help it thrive and continue inspiring positive change in the way people eat."
Little Bird Kitchen founder Megan May. Photo / Babiche Martens.
Company documents show Little Bird Organics Limited currently has 20 allocated shareholdings. Flight of the Conchords member Bret McKenzie is listed as holding a 1% stake in the business, with his wife Hannah Clarke.
The business listing outlines there is the option to acquire the wider Little Bird brand including wholesale, e-commerce, and manufacturing, although the “preferred sale is as a whole”.
May says it will take “a minute” to figure out what life looks after the right buyer is found.
“Little Bird is something I created in my late 20s, and it’s been such a big part of my life for so long. It’s going to feel strange not being so deeply involved day to day.
“But that space will also create room for something new — whatever that may be. Right now, the focus is on finding the right next custodian and ensuring a smooth transition so the business can continue to flourish.”
