Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
A long-running hole-in-the-wall fish and chip shop in Wellington is closing its roller door for the last time at the end of February.
Wawa Shen has co-owned the Rice Bowl Burger Bar, alongside her husband Qing, for the last 16 years, but the shop first opened in the early 1970's.
The building's landlord had planned to redevelop the site, and while the family had been aware of the situation for the last year, they only received a final date a couple of days ago.
She said the Newtown location had many happy memories for her family and the couple's children had grown up spending time in the shop.
"So much memories. They've all grown up at the back. But life always has been moving on. Maybe there's a chance for us to change our life a little bit," Shen said.
The family were running the shop when the Loafer's Lodge hostel burnt down, killing five people, just a short distance down the road.
"It was quite sad because most of [the tenants] were our customers. When we heard that, it's like you just cannot believe it. The people just sitting here yesterday and now they tell me they're passed, they're gone," Shen said.
But she said many of the lodge's former occupants still came to say hello and get some kai.
"They're still coming back. Even though they're moving away, they still come to say hi. This is their kitchen," Shen said.
Shen said she couldn't keep up with the messages from customers in response to news of the closure.
"Everyone feels 'sorry we're losing you'. Too many! So many, I've got no time to reply," Shen said.
Wawa Shen has co-owned the Rice Bowl Burger Bar, alongside her husband Qing, for the last 16 years Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
She said the family were looking at other businesses, but we're still busy running the shop, which opened seven days a week with 11-hour shifts on weekdays.
"It's quite okay now. We used to open until 12am, 3am in the morning. After Covid, everything has changed," Shen said.
Carolyne Peterson was popping by the shop for lunch on Monday. She said the burger bar was always her go-to for a late-night snack.
"It was always open. The best chips. Definitely the chips," Peterson said.
Matt Davis & Carolyne Peterson at Rice Bowl Burger Bar. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Matt Davis had been coming to the burger bar since he moved into the area nearly 23 years ago.
"It's sad, really sad. Best hot chips in town and great service. We're going to have to stock up on some Nasi Goreng and some things like that for the freezer I think," Davis said.
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
On a notice posted to the shop's Facebook page, they thanked their customers for their "continued love and support over the last 17 years" .
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