‘Needs a Sāmoan owner’: Manhattan Catering prepares for business handover

“It needs a Sāmoan owner and driver.”

That’s what outgoing owner of Manhattan Catering Services Vince (one name) says about the official handover announcement made by the company last week.

Vince, who is from Croatia, says in the six years that he’s managed the Mt Roskill business, he has come to know and appreciate the Pacific way of celebrating life and food.

Manhattan is among a number of businesses owned and run by Vince, so the decision to sell up ultimately came down to the fact that he’s got too much on his plate.

“I only took it over when Phil passed (away) a few years ago and he was a bit of an icon and everyone knew him.

“And it’s been six or seven years now, but it’s just time for me to move on and do other things.

“Just give it (Manhattan) a new lease of life and do it justice.”

Previous owner and operator of Manhattan Catering Phil Meleiseā (right) with daughter Jae and DJ Noiz. Photo/Facebook

Previous owner and community advocate Tuātagaloa Philipidees Meleiseā, who had worked at Manhattan since he was a 14-year-old doing the dishes, died in May 2018.

Manhattan saw 40 years of Phil’s dedicated servitude and the dine and dance Wednesday nights, once named “Phil’s Wednesdays” was highly favoured.

Vince says it has served as the pinnacle place for any and every Pacific event.

In a Facebook post, Manhattan announced an “end of an era”, thanking all who broke bread within their space.

“It’s been an incredible ride, with moments of joy, excitement, seemingly insurmountable odds, and invaluable learning,” the post read.

“To all that supported us throughout the years THANK YOU. Your belief and trust in us have been the driving force behind our every step.”

The comment section is filled with people sharing their fondest memories and functions that were held at “The Hatt” including Auckland Councillor Josephine Bartley’s initial campaign launch.

“Sad to see this, Manhattan was the place for our Pacific Islands functions, the big milestones for our family, Mum always wanted Manhattan.

“Mum’s 60th, Dad’s funeral reception, my first campaign launch in 2008 and many other family events,” Bartley shared on social media.

People are also commenting that they’ll miss the food the most.

Vince said his team, who although aren’t sales savvy, are “fantastic at doing functions”, but the enterprise needed a marketing refresh.

New owners Tuisamau Takeaway and Catering run by Elizabeth (Liz) Brown Te’o, specialises in Pacific food. Their current small store on Dominion Road is a stone's throw away from their new place of residency.

Vince is confident they will bring the Pacific flair and flavour Manhattan has been known for while also cooking up new ways to further the business and its menu.

“She’s (Te’o) got a little bit more of a grasp on business, she’s involved with a couple of the churches and that’s where most of her business comes from.

“So yeah, she’s busy.”

Owner and founder of Tuisamau Catering Elizabeth (Liz) Brown Te'o (far right) with her team. Photo/Facebook

When asked if they will hold a final buffet service before the official handover, Vince says it’s a possibility but more importantly he wants people to know that business isn’t closed.

He adds the new menu will be a fusion of Manhattan and Tuisamau, something he hopes could be reflected in the new business’ name.

“It does continue. I’m hoping they call it something like ‘Tuisamau Manhattan’, or ‘Manhattan Tuisamau Catering’ and combine the names because as much as she’s got a reputation, we’ve certainly got a following as well.”