Johnny Nation's Chocolate Eclair Shop in Ohakune has opened for its 2021 season. Photo / Bevan Conley
Johnny Nation's Chocolate Eclair Shop in Ohakune has opened for its 2021 season. Photo / Bevan Conley
A world-renowned bakery in the Ruapehu district has opened its doors for the winter season, but it could be the last one for the family who have run the shop for more than 80 years.
Johnny Nation's Chocolate Eclair Shop in Ohakune is famous for its cream-filled chocolate-covered pastry butthe Nation family have decided it may be time for something new and have put the business up for sale.
Steve Nation, son of Johnny and manager of the bakery, said after spending 10 to 12 hours a day in the bakery, it was becoming a bit too much for the family.
"It's really, really hard. We were brought up in the shop. We would love one of the kids to take over, but both of my boys are in Perth and have great jobs.
"It's quite sad. It's a very good business, but you have to be prepared to work."
The bakery opens for six months of the year, from Queen's Birthday weekend to November. On average, they sell 400 to 800 eclairs daily, with the most sold in one day topping 1400.
"That is almost capacity. You make 150 in a run, that's almost 10 runs."
Nation said they had created "a bit of a monster" over the years, with the eclairs' popularity continuing to rise.
"Even with Covid, last year was our best season ever. We had queues outside the door, it was ridiculous."
Nation said he was humbled to have their family name attached to a pastry known all around world.
"It's quite funny, no matter where we go in the world, somebody knows someone that has come and had a big eclair. It's quite flattering."
The huge chocolate eclairs have people queuing out the door at Johnny Nation's. Photo / Bevan Conley
Wayne Frewen, of Bayleys Real Estate, said it was a special opportunity to purchase an extremely busy and profitable business.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the new owner to enjoy the fruits of the Nation family's labour and there is scope for even further business success through extending opening through the summer season as well as winter.
"Complementing eclair sales is a range of other baked goods plus a dairy. The regular queues outside the door are a testament to its popularity and reputation."
Although it was a bit sad that they were moving on, "all good things have to come to end", Nation said.
