Newly-opened New York Pizza Kitchen at the TappooCity Complex in Suva is fast gaining business from customers. Photo: TAPPOOS GROUP
By RACHNA LAL
Tappoo Group’s $500,000 investment in the New York Pizza Kitchen (NYPK) restaurant has added attraction to their food court on level four of the Tappoo City in Suva.
The recently-opened pizzeria is gaining popularity especially through the lunch-time crowd.
Tappoo Group chief executive, MadhuTappoo, said the investment includes the state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, fit-outs, fixtures and décor.
“This is aligned with our international food court’s mission, which is to give our people and tourists world-class food that is top grade in terms of quality, variety, presentation and hygiene,” he said.
“We are delighted that this is being appreciated by our local people, as well as tourists, visiting the Capital City.”
The pizzeria has created employment for 16 people, four of whom were qualified chefs who underwent specialised training to perfect the art of making thin, crispy square pizzas.
NYPK spokesman Sathya Narayanan said the use of fresh local produce in their recipes enhanced NYPK’s crusty, square-based recipes, as well as supported local entrepreneurs.
Mr Narayanan said he was confident NYPK’s popularity would continue to mount because locals were more discerning shoppers who demanded quality for their hard-earned money.
Source of inspiration
But Mr Narayanan said the source of inspiration for this business concept was New York’s signature square pizzas.
“We have gone to great lengths to capture that New York experience for our customers, and a look at our menu will reflect this,” he said.
“Every little detail of Tappoo City food court’s latest gem was executed with the greatest of care.”
Although beef and pork were excluded from the menu to cater for the dietary restrictions of many, Mr Narayanan said they were still able to create “the great flavours of New York Italian pizza”.