Hungry tourists find Eat Streat closed

Only one of the restaurants and cafes on Eat Streat is open for breakfast and brunch, prompting criticism. Photo/Stephen Parker

Visitors to Rotorua's popular Eat Streat development say they have found it hard to find a place open for breakfast or brunch, and that it's not a good look for the city's top dining spot.

However, some Eat Streat business owners say they have become the victims of their own success.

A letter writer to the Rotorua Daily Post said their family loved the new Eat Streat but were astounded after going there for brunch on New Year's Day to find just one restaurant open. They said the restaurant was so full they had to leave Eat Streat and find another place to eat.

The family wondered why the Rotorua District Council spent so much time and money promoting the development when almost nothing was open.

"When we arrived we were initially struck by how cool it looked.

"What obviously astounded us was that there was only one place open in the whole Eat Streat and this was at 11am.

"On one hand you've got the council marketing Eat Streat as the place to go and dine, and then you go there on a public holiday, when the tourists are going to be there, and none of the cafes are open."

The Rotorua Daily Post visited Eat Streat on Tuesday at 10.30am. Only Solace Cafe & Restaurant was open, the rest opening between 11am and 11.30am, according to their posted opening hours.

Solace manager Sandra Graetz said they had always opened for breakfast in summer, along with Triple 1 Five (which is currently closed) and Picnic Cafe just around the corner.

Since the redevelopment of Eat Streat, Solace's seating capacity had doubled yet it was still so busy in the mornings customers had to wait for tables.

On public holidays and weekends, people have had to be turned away.

"I would have happily shared the people with other restaurants," she said.

Ms Graetz said she would like others on the street to open earlier, to give visitors a better experience. "I think it's a shame, tourists are coming here and nothing is open. It's a bad look for Rotorua."

Brew Craft Beer Pub co-owner Paul Croucher said he had underestimated the impact the new Eat Streat would have on his business and would be seriously considering opening for breakfast.

"We've had about 25 per cent growth each week for four weeks. We doubled our capacity but there was quadruple the demand. I think when we all start to understand the space, and as the site matures, it will just get better and better," Mr Croucher said.

Destination Rotorua Marketing manager Oscar Nathan said he understood the letter writer's point of view.

"Whilst we can rightfully be proud of the initiative to date, having created a vibe and appeal that is quite noticeable to locals and visitors alike, the challenge now is to maximise the level of interest the development brings with it.

"Clearly, the enhanced environment of Eat Streat offers a myriad of new business possibilities, and it's important increased demand is met by strong offerings and levels of service."