Beloved Wellington Café,Spruce Goose,to Close After Lease Dispute
Table of Contents
- 1. Beloved Wellington Café,Spruce Goose,to Close After Lease Dispute
- 2. A Chapter Ends for Local Favorite
- 3. The Rising Challenges Facing Small Businesses
- 4. Spruce Goose: A Timeline of Community Impact
- 5. what factors contributed to the closure of the spruce Goose Café?
- 6. Wellington Café Spruce goose Shuts Doors After 12 Years Over Lease Issues
Wellington,New Zealand – After twelve years of serving the community,Spruce Goose café,a popular spot near Wellington Airport,is set to close its doors on February 8th. The closure stems from the business’s inability to reach a new lease agreement with the property owner.
A Chapter Ends for Local Favorite
The café announced the difficult decision via social media,expressing that the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for. Spruce Goose has become a well-loved institution, known for its welcoming atmosphere and loyal customer base.
“we are endlessly grateful for the love, support, and loyalty you have all shown us over the years,” the café stated in thier online post. they encouraged patrons to visit during the next two weeks to bid farewell in person.
The Rising Challenges Facing Small Businesses
The closure of Spruce Goose highlights the ongoing struggles faced by small businesses, particularly concerning commercial leases and rising operational costs. According to a recent report by Statistics New zealand, the number of small businesses entering liquidation increased by 18% in the last quarter of 2023.
Lease negotiations can be complex, often involving factors beyond a business’s control, such as property value increases and redevelopment plans. A lack of renewal options can force establishments like Spruce Goose to close even with a strong customer base and positive financial performance.
Spruce Goose: A Timeline of Community Impact
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Spruce Goose café opens near Wellington Airport. |
| 2018 | Café becomes a popular meeting spot for local residents and airport staff. |
| 2023 | Spruce Goose announces it is indeed unable to secure a new lease agreement. |
| February 8, 2024 | Café’s last day of trading. |
RNZ has reached out to Wellington Airport for comment regarding the lease situation, but a response remains pending.
The closure marks the end of an era for spruce Goose, a place that many customers considered more than just a café – a community hub and a cherished part of their daily routines.
Have you ever had a local café or business closure impact your community? What steps can be taken to better support small businesses facing lease challenges?
Share your thoughts and memories of Spruce Goose in the comments below, and please share this article to help spread awareness of the challenges faced by local businesses.
what factors contributed to the closure of the spruce Goose Café?
Wellington Café Spruce goose Shuts Doors After 12 Years Over Lease Issues
A Local Landmark Closes: What Happened with the Spruce Goose Café?
Wellington’s beloved Spruce Goose Café, a fixture in the community for 12 years, has sadly closed it’s doors. The closure, effective January 26th, 2026, stems from unresolved lease negotiations with property owner, Harbourview Investments. This news has sent ripples through the local dining scene and left many patrons wondering what the future holds for this popular spot.
The Lease Dispute: A Timeline of Events
The issues began surfacing in late 2025, with reports of increasingly strained communication between Spruce Goose owner, Amelia Hayes, and Harbourview Investments. Sources close to the negotiations indicate a notable proposed rent increase was the primary sticking point. Hayes, known for her commitment to affordable, quality dining, reportedly attempted to negotiate a more manageable rate, citing the current economic climate and the café’s long-standing positive impact on the Wellington community.
* October 2025: Initial lease renewal discussions begin.
* November 2025: Harbourview Investments presents a proposed lease with a significant rent increase (estimated at 45%).
* December 2025 – January 2026: Multiple negotiation attempts fail to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
* January 26th, 2026: spruce Goose Café officially announces its closure.
Impact on Wellington’s Dining scene
The Spruce Goose wasn’t just a café; it was a community hub. Known for its locally sourced ingredients, cozy atmosphere, and regular live music events, it attracted a diverse clientele. Its closure leaves a noticeable gap in Wellington’s culinary landscape.
* Loss of Local Jobs: The café employed 15 full- and part-time staff members, all now seeking new employment.
* Reduced Dining Options: Wellington residents now have one less autonomous café to choose from.
* Impact on Local Suppliers: The Spruce goose actively supported local farmers and producers, and their business will be affected by the closure.
What Made Spruce Goose Special?
Beyond the excellent coffee and food, Spruce Goose cultivated a unique identity. Amelia Hayes prioritized creating a welcoming space for everyone.
* Community Events: Regular open mic nights, art exhibitions featuring local artists, and book clubs fostered a strong sense of community.
* Enduring Practices: The café was committed to reducing its environmental footprint,utilizing compostable packaging and sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
* Support for Local charities: Spruce Goose frequently hosted fundraising events for local charities and organizations.
The Future of the Space
As of today, Harbourview Investments has not announced plans for the space formerly occupied by Spruce Goose. Speculation is rife, with some suggesting a potential upscale restaurant or retail development. Local residents have launched a petition urging Harbourview Investments to consider a tenant that will continue to serve the community’s needs.
Lease Negotiation Best Practices for Small Businesses
The Spruce Goose situation serves as a cautionary tale for small business owners. Here are some key takeaways regarding commercial lease negotiations:
- Start Early: Begin lease renewal discussions well in advance of the expiration date – at least 6-12 months.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Engage a commercial real estate attorney to review the lease agreement and advise on negotiation strategies.
- Understand Market Rates: Research comparable rental rates in the area to determine a fair market value.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication and negotiations.
- Consider Alternative Options: Explore potential relocation options as a backup plan.
Microsoft‘s new AI Chip: A Distraction or a Game Changer?
While the local community mourns the loss of Spruce Goose, the tech world is buzzing about Microsoft’s recent unveiling of the Maia 200 AI chip (CNBC, January 26, 2026). This development, though seemingly unrelated, highlights the increasing importance of technology and innovation in all sectors, including the hospitality industry.The Maia 200’s superior high-bandwidth memory compared to competitors like Amazon’s Trainium and Google’s TPU could perhaps lead to more efficient and personalized customer experiences in the future – something businesses like Spruce Goose might have benefited from in streamlining operations and enhancing customer loyalty programs. However, for now, the focus remains on the immediate impact of the café’s closure on the Wellington community.
