Lone Star shines bright in Whangarei
Richard Loader from Business North sat down to talk with Angus Rush about Whangarei’s latest edition, Lone Star. As a music buff, Angus reckons his restaurant has the best play list, hands down.
Legendary Kiwi restaurant brand Lone Star swung its doors wide open in Whangarei on April the 12th, welcoming guests to great food, great atmosphere, great music and simply a great time.
Located in Whangarei’s new Kensington Hub development, Lone Star joins other restaurant offerings including Burger Fuel, Sal’s Lizza, St Pierre’s Sushu and Tank.
New Zealand born and bred the popular Lone Star brand is now 33 years old and boasts 26 franchised restaurants throughout New Zealand.
With cowboy saloons, wooden tables, the long bar, juicy steaks and Mexican food, Lone Star’s Western/Native American inspiration sits comfortably with a Kiwiana spin to create absolute joy.
Lone Star Whangarei’s co-owner Angus Rush says that joy comes down to the love, care and generosity that are delivered through consistently good service, atmosphere and the quality and portions of the food.
The food’s theme fits with the American west with 300gm Ribeye steaks, Redneck Ribs, Lassoo of Hog, Dixie Chicken and Burrito Ranchero to name but a few.
“But then you integrate that offering with the Kiwi side of things — fresh lamb, free range pork and chicken.
“So there is that blend of American and New Zealand cuisine,” explains Angus.
Raised in Whangarei and a Whangarei High School ‘Old Boy’, Angus admits to having inexhaustible passion for the Lone Star brand and his Whangarei restaurant in particular.
"When the lights are on and the music is turned up it's hard to hold me back.
“Not only is Lone Star locally owned and operated but I will also be in the restaurant every day up the front ready to greet the guests.”
Lone Star Whangarei’s layout has been tailored for the Northland market —focused on family enjoying great food, great music and great company.
“We have a bar/cocktail bar that takes centre focus when you walk in the restaurant. There’s a large function room that can be sealed off for birthdays and other celebrations and there are booths for family and friends to sit around. With outdoor seating there’s also a real indoor/outdoor flow perfect for casual catch-ups.”
A music buff, Angus reckons his restaurant has the best play list, hands down.
"It ranges from old time classics to modern classics. It’s not just country centric — you have modern rock and old rock. You can be listening to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash and then Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Queen or Elton John. The music for me is the glue when you have great service, great food the music just brings the atmosphere with great décor together.
The Lone Star brand started in 1988 in Christchurch’s Manchester Street by a family of brothers and sisters who had a passion for a good time and wanted to cook good food and host. “The original family who started the business is still in the business today, still passionately part of the brand.
“So, it’s Kiwi born and bred and I think my family are involved because everything it stands for emulates us as a family — come into our home, we will look after you and take good care of you.”
Keeping the theme of a family business, Lone Star Whangarei is owned by Angus and his father Brent. The family already own and operate Lone Star restaurant in Westgate, Auckland.
New Zealand born and bred the popular Lone Star brand is now 33 years old and boasts 26 franchised restaurants throughout New Zealand.
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