| 99 COMMUNITY Cobb & Co 50th Anniversary T T Russell Fredric Celebrating our community heroes Cobb and Co. is giving away 365 gift vouchers to those working to make a difference in their communities – the equivalent of a family dining for free every night of the year. 06 343 3361 info@chefschoice.co.nz www.chefschoice.co.nz The perfect dish starts with all the right ingredients. Proud supplier of Print Logistics to the Cobb Group www.lochiel.co.nz After 50 years of providing hospitality to Kiwi families, the heart and vision of Cobb & Co. remains essentially the same. For the past 11 years, the business has been owned by Ben and Susan Gower whose efforts to transform it and to bring it into the 21st century have been recognised in the industry. Cobb & Co.’s restaurants are based on an unpretentious, warm, family dining experience that provides value without compromising on the quality of the food on offer, Ben says. “One of the most common comments we get is ‘I love Cobb & Co. because you know what you’re going to get.’ It’s simple, fresh New Zealand food.” Cobb & Co. restaurants are a great fit for all occasions and generations, whether for couples dining out or for multi-generation gatherings with menus to suit, including smaller meals for children or seniors who don’t have the ability to tackle a full-size meal, Ben says. Examples of the quality of the food served today are the AngusPure steaks on the menu, a premium grass-fed product that is aged for 21 days and that has full supply chain traceability, while free range eggs have been exclusively used since 2016. Ben and Susan and the business have benefitted considerably from them attending annual National Restaurant Association shows in Chicago for many years. “A lot of our innovations and developments have been inspired by our regular trips to that show. It’s a huge hospitality expo; if you can imagine something like Mystery Creek but 200 times larger.” Since taking over ownership from United Franchise Systems in 2013 which previously bought the business from Lion Nathan, Ben and Susan have made a considerable investment in its systems. Susan has a background as a statistician and financial analyst and these skills have been absolutely invaluable, as well as the innovations and systems that are now both intrinsic and vital to the operation of the franchises. Through many cycles and a few challenges during the past half century, Cobb & Co. now has eight franchises operating, of which two are in the South Island. Its top performing restaurants are incredibly popular and some have been recognised in various industry and regional awards, as well as the business nationally. These include being the 2019 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards retail and hospitality System of the year and excellence in digital innovation award winner. Five of Cobb &Co. restaurants have plate carrying robots and these have been appreciated by staff due to reducing their workload as well as being a hit with diners. For the past five years its Hero Diners Campaign has been an essential part of its community outreach. This involves giving away 365 gift vouchers to those working to make a difference in their communities – the equivalent of a family dining for free every night of the year. “The Hero Diners initiative is all about recognising deserving people and their families in our communities,” Ben says. “Those who give their time and effort to make a difference, including volunteers, community support people, and selfless workers who regularly go above and beyond to help others.” With Hamilton and Auckland next on its roadmap of expansion, people in these cities can look forward to experiencing some famous Cobb & Co. hospitality when suitable sites are found. “We’re not trying to be New Zealand’s best restaurant; we strive to be New Zealand’s favourite restaurant, simply by making everyone feel at home at Cobb & Co.”
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