
MEET GRANT HATTAWAY:
Your Hospitality Business Advisor
With over 30 years in hospitality as a hands-on restaurant owner, I know exactly what it takes to run a successful venue, and just how tough this industry can be. I’ve worked the long hours, juggled the numbers, managed teams, and navigated the constant pressure to perform. Now, I use that experience to help hospitality owners like you cut through the chaos, find practical solutions, and build a business that’s not just profitable, but sustainable. Read more about my story below.
GRANT'S STORY
With over 30 years of hands-on experience setting up, operating, and selling successful hospitality businesses, I know firsthand how tough this industry can be. I’ve been in your shoes—working long hours, managing staff, juggling finances, and dealing with the constant pressure to perform. My job now is to help you cut through the chaos, find practical solutions, and build a business that’s not just profitable, but sustainable.
I approach hospitality the same way I approached competitive golf: with a relentless focus on detail, performance, and results. My journey started in 1995 at an industrial lunch bar, later living above a café where I had to step into the kitchen when the chef failed to show. Eventually, I went on to own and operate a group of high-profile restaurants in one of New Zealand’s most competitive tourism markets. I’ve seen it all—what works, what doesn’t, and where businesses go wrong.
Numbers are my forte—not just the bottom line, but the systems and strategies that drive it. I quickly identify inefficiencies, optimise pricing, and refine menus to improve profitability. I firmly believe success starts at the back door, and I help clients secure better supplier deals, negotiate smarter lease terms, and implement financial systems that actually work. My approach is honest, direct, and pragmatic—because in this industry, there’s no room for fluff.
I believe that when your business runs efficiently, you get your time, energy, and passion back. My goal is to install rock-solid systems, fine-tune operations, and give you the clarity and control you need to thrive. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, let’s talk.

Experience Matters Here
With decades of running busy, award-winning venues, my insights facilitate a unique approach to hospitality business coaching that genuinely works for you.
A PASSION FOR REAL HOSPITALITY
I believe genuine hospitality is generous in nature, and our work should leave customers delighted from the moment they walk in the door, to the moment they leave.
AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT OWNERSHIP
Blue Kanu Restaurant & Bar (Queenstown)
2020-2023 Ranked #1 or #2 on TRIP ADVISOR.
Best of the Best Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards 2019, 2020 , 2021, 2022, 2023 (Top 1% of Restaurant’s Worldwide).
2021 RANZ Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards.
Winner of Supreme Restaurant.
Best Ambience and Design.
Pier (Queenstown)
2007-2017 - Modern contemporary NZ Cuisine.
Captains Steak and Seafood Restaurant (Queenstown)
2002-2015
HELPING HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES SUCCEED SINCE 2006
Even before I began formally consulting it was important to make a positive impact on the local Queenstown hospitality industry. This started with informal chats and advice where needed, then really came into it's own over the Covid outbreak, helping stressed business owners negotiate better lease terms and keep their businesses afloat.
I was delighted to have this contribution acknowledged with the Restaurant Association Hospitality Hero Award.

PEOPLE-FIRST
Because successful businesses are driven from the inside out, together we'll get to the root cause of your business struggles.

NO-NONSENSE APPROACH
I'll tell you it like it is, and give you real-world advice that you can implement right away.

INTEGRITY & DISCRETION
Working on your business requires trust and vulnerability, I'll treat your information with respect and discretion.
“I believe in giving back to the industry that gave so much to me. I want to see hospitality businesses thrive—with happy staff, delighted customers, and owners who feel fulfilled and in control.”
Grant - Hattaway Consultancy