The super-sized chocolate eclairs that put Ohakune on the world map will still be available now the business has sold.
Photo / Bevan Conley
The super-sized chocolate eclairs that put Ohakune on the world map will still be available now the business has sold.
Photo / Bevan Conley
The end of an era is coming for Johnny Nation's world-famous Chocolate Éclair Shop in Ohakune.
There's no need to fear, however, as a new owner plans to keep producing the delicious cream-filled, chocolate-iced pastry treats made by generations of the Nation family.
"The new owner is semi-local - fromTaumarunui way _ and they plan to run the business the same way that we do," said Steve Nation.
"We will close next month, as we do every year, and the new owner will re-open the shop in June next year. We will provide training for them so that customers can still enjoy the eclairs they know and love."
The Nation family put the business on the market in June this year after owning it for more than 80 years.
Steve's father, Johnny Nation, died almost 20 years ago, leaving Steve and his brother Allan to run the business.
There are no younger Nations ready to put their hands up for the 10- to 12-hour shifts it takes to produce the eclairs and other baked goods sold at the Clyde St shop.
"We would love one of the kids to take over but both my boys are in Perth and have great jobs," said Nation.
The Nation family has sold its Ohakune business to a buyer who plans to keep producing chocolate eclairs.
Photos / Bevan Conley
In pre-Covid days international tourists would share their enthusiasm for the super-sized eclairs sold in Ohakune and their reputation spread around the world, requiring the production of 400 to 800 eclairs a day to meet the demand.
On their busiest day, they sold over 1400.
In 2020, the Nation family expected a drop-off in demand, however locals and domestic tourists were waiting when they reopened in June and they experienced their busiest season ever, with customers queuing outside the door every day.
"It's a bit sad to be giving up the business," said Nation.
"We grew up in the shop and learned how to make the eclairs. It's a good business but I'm ready to retire. I think I will be spending my time chasing the grandkids around once I stop work."
Nation said the family plans to "go out with a bang" and will hold a special event before handing over the business.
"Watch this space - we'll keep you posted," he said.
