Bunsen, a one-of-a-kind licensed cafe in the landmark Christchurch Arts Centre, has been placed on the market.
In 2016 owner Hamish Evans of Switch Espresso Coffee Roasters was inspired by the history of the Clock Tower building, once home to Canterbury College/University of Canterbury chemistry and science lecture theatres. Evans and his team went about creating a chemistry den-style establishment, honouring the history of the place, with a contemporary vibe and functionality.
There are four seating areas – the sun-drenched courtyard on Worcester Boulevard where patrons can people-watch and enjoy trams rolling by; the upstairs mezzanine, perfect for large groups and functions; downstairs, set up for patrons to be part of the buzz; and popular tables in the Arts Centre’s North Quad, ideal for admiring the beautifully restored heritage buildings.
Branded the ‘city of the future’, Ōtautahi Christchurch is attracting a lot of attention and is on the must-visit list for international tourists and NZ travellers.
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” It is vibrant, easy to navigate, and it’s affordable compared to many other main centres in New Zealand. With many of the anchor projects and key precincts either completed or under way, Christchurch is shaping up to be a fabulous city to live in and it’s on the visitor/tourist hit list as the place to visit,” said Sami Chesterton, Link Business broker for the sale.
Interest levels are expected to be high. “Securing such a high-profile site in the cultural precinct of a major city would be smart. This business is poised for growth with visitor numbers expected to rise dramatically with a reported 97 cruise ships scheduled for this coming season,” Chesterton said.
Based on how Bunsen has bounced back from the challenges over the last few years, Evans and his team enjoyed a very busy summer trade, “We have seen an increase in locals returning to the city for weekend visits and office workers are back for lunches and coffee meetings during the week.
“The days when the cruise ship customers came into town last summer was very noticeable. Bunsen is back over the million-dollar turnover mark and growing,” he said.
The business is currently fully managed and opens only during the day. An experienced operator would no doubt look to open in the evenings, especially during the summer months, as it is licensed from 7:30am until 11pm.
“To nail day and nighttime trade would make this a top performer in Christchurch,” Evans said. “An experienced owner-operator who can dedicate the time and energy will no doubt maximise the full potential of Bunsen.”
Carved timber work and Omarau Stone dominate throughout. “The recent addition of a wider staircase to the mezzanine area makes the place flow much better,” Evans said. “It is a pleasure to work in and customers love the chemistry theme which is a nod to the original purpose.”
So why is he moving on? “We are reluctantly selling this business, as our core focus is the growth of the roastery, Switch Espresso, and we own two other busy cafes. Bunsen needs focused attention to maximise growth.
The outside areas make this an extra-special cafe, and being in the heart of the city, the Art Centre attracts a broad range of customers. “Opportunities like this come up once in a blue moon, making Bunsen a top priority for any hospitality owner looking for a prime site with growth opportunities,” Chesterton said.
Evans agrees: “This a great time for a new owner to grab this and get prepared early for the forthcoming summer/tourist season.”
Bunsen is marketed as a deadline sale with offers to be presented by 4pm, Thursday July 27 unless sold prior.
Contact: Sami Chesterton, ph 021 0297 8810, email [email protected]
— Article supplied by Link
