It goes without saying that the past 12 months have been disrupted, challenging and, yes, unprecedented. But despite opening six weeks before New Zealand went into Level 4 lockdown, Hudsons Queensgate has been a story of success and growth. On February 6, Queensgate is celebrating its first birthday and its first year has been hot-choc filled with highlights.
Opening up (again)
Only a few months after their first opening, April saw Queensgate reopening after lockdown. And they didn’t waste any time providing coffees for the locals.
The first post-lockdown coffee.
The Hot Case
Not content to create coffees, our New Zealand Master Franchisor Khushboo’s son invented the Hot Case – designed to carry coffees and keep them hot for 20 to 30 minutes. Its innovative design wasn’t just a hit with us, it also took out equal first in the NIWA Wellington Science and Technology Fair. We predict big things for the Hot Case.
Coffee Tastings
Ok, we get it. You’ve tasted coffee before. But did you know that Hudsons has three distinct coffee blends, each with their own unique characteristics and flavour profiles? Queensgate’s coffee tastings have proved a hit with the local community, helping them find their favourite blend, and the best way to enjoy it – a long black using our Peruvian Single Origin blend for example.
Hudsons customers getting a coffee education.
Some notable visitors
Hudsons Queensgate has also had some notable visitors in its first 12 months, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, cricketing legend Grant Elliott and Harold the Giraffe, who helped judge the kids colouring competition.
The Cool As Challenge
Lower Hutt must have a sweet tooth, because after running their Sweet As Challenge in 2020, January 2021 saw them run the Cool As Challenge. Local cafes and eateries were invited to create a special summer drink, with locals voting on their favourite. Hudsons Queensgate created the Nutella Madness Milkshake – a riot of Nutella, cream and ice cream. It seems that Lower Hutt developed a bad case of Nutella Madness because their milkshake came in second place.
Discerning judges sampling the Nutella Madness Milkshake.
With their first 12 months down, Khushboo and the whole team at Hudsons Queensgate are looking forward to many, many more. “We want to thank the whole community for supporting us through 2020,” Khushboo said. “It’s our customers and our community that have provided the greatest highlights. We look forward to creating more memories with you.”
Visit Hudsons Queensgate on February 6, 2021 between 9am and 6pm for 50% off all barista made beverages, as well as a gift for kids. T’s and C’s apply.
