Restaurateur starts company on the same day as SPQR collapse

Wednesday, 31 July 2024

Stuff looks at ten of the big hospitality and retail closures in Auckland in 2024.

Companies Office records show Chris Rupe incorporated a new company on the same day liquidators were appointed to Ponsonby eatery SPQR.

While Rupe’s next steps are unclear, Stuff has been told he is “positive” about the future.

SPQR closed earlier this month, saying he was “sorry” about the situation and appreciated the public’s support.

The well-known Auckland restaurateur behind failed eatery SPQR started a new company the same day his former Ponsonby hotspot collapsed.

SPQR’s liquidation, after over 30 years in business, sent shock waves through the Auckland hospitality scene earlier this month.

Companies Office records show Chris Rupe has registered CCMR Fort Street Limited. Rupe, via another company, is the ultimate shareholder in the business and its sole director.

The company was incorporated on July 11, the same day liquidators were appointed to SPQR Ltd.

Former Ponsonby Rd hotspot SPQR was well-known for its white clothed tables, often dotted with local celebrities.

It remains unclear what Rupe’s plans are following the incorporation of CCMR Fort Street.

Stuff has made multiple attempts - over the phone and via email - to contact Rupe.

Queries sent to his public relations consultant were met with a response to contact Rupe directly.

Stuff forwarded a list of questions to Rupe, including if he was considering taking up a new lease on Auckland’s Fort St or anywhere else.

No response was received.

But an industry colleague last week said his counterpart was “chipper and happy” in the wake of SPQR’s closure.

Well-known Auckland restaurateur Chris Rupe

Rupe was “positive about the future”, he added.

The only comment from Rupe has been via a statement on SPQR’s website, issued when the famed Auckland restaurant folded earlier this month.

“I’m really sorry for the current situation and I just wanted to say to everyone, that I really appreciate the support,” it read.

“Thanks so much for your understanding, Aucklanders. I know you loyally share the love I’ve had for SPQR for the past 27 years.”

Liquidator PKF’s first report shows SPQR Limited owes $1.48 million to Inland Revenue (IRD) in PAYE and GST. Staff themselves are collectively owed over $145,600.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was once spotted dining at the well-known Auckland eatery.

Both amounts make up the $1.629m owed to preferential creditors. Unsecured parties are owed nearly $617,000.

SPQR’s closure came after IRD served a statutory demand for tax arrears. The business was unable to pay the debt, or negotiate a repayment plan.

IRD then served a liquidation application on the company.

PKF had previously been hired by SPQR to help negotiate a settlement with IRD, but the required deposit was not paid.

According to Rupe, SPQR started experiencing financial difficulties at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its performance was then impacted by staff shortages, wage increases and other overheads affecting the bottom line.

SPQR, with Rupe at its helm, achieved decades of success in Auckland’s highly competitive restaurant scene.

The restaurant became particularly well-known for its tables, covered in white tablecloths, laid out across its frontage.

In an earlier statement, Rupe encouraged his loyal customers to spend their money elsewhere.

“In the meantime, please spread your patronage around other locally owned hospo businesses and show your support for the challenging but highly rewarding job they do,” he said.

SPQR’s liquidation is expected to be completed by February next year.