The COVID-19 pandemic and the various restrictions put in place by the government to stop its spread have resulted in some popular restaurants across the country closing their doors permanently.
In July alone Chaud Restaurant announced that it would be closing after 15 years, Hakka Restaurant and Bar said it would be shutting the doors of its Ariapita Avenue location, and Joe’s Pizza Italian Restaurant announced the permanent closure of its St Augustine branch.
But while others have been shutting their doors, More Vino has opened a new door altogether.
“We are always looking to find new opportunities to bring our passion for the highest quality sushi to our loyal customers across Trinidad and Tobago and we are thrilled to announce the official launch of our new location in Valpark Plaza, Valsayn this Friday,” More Vino posted on their official Facebook page last week.
The Business Guardian reached out to More Vino to find out what was the thinking behind opening a new branch at this time.
“After 16 years of being in the restaurant industry, adapting has become second nature to us,” David Stone said.
“When the pandemic hit, we were challenged to keep our business going in a time of extreme change. Dine-in was shut down, but customers were still calling for their sushi fix – in many ways, the enjoyment of a favourite food became even more popular as people stayed indoors,” he said.
Stone said this encouraged More Vino to think about ways they could reach out to customers beyond Port-of-Spain and San Fernando where they already have restaurants located.
“And the idea to open a small storefront with a focus on convenient and freshly prepared sushi was born,” Stone said.
“We wanted to cater to our customers in a safe and convenient way in a bigger geographical area and did so first through our grab and go distribution but decided to take a risk and go for a storefront in Valsayn as well,” he said.
Stone said their customers can expect the same “high quality” sushi, dumplings and tempura items as they are accustomed to having at the other locations at Ariapita and San Fernando.
He said More Vino is offering the same Japanese favourites but in a “convenient and easy to access” way.
“The store itself reflects Kawaii themes typically seen in Japan and has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The Valpark branch would be open for takeaway and delivery service. Friendly and professional customer service remains a high priority to us as well,” he said.
Because of the closure of restaurants during the pandemic, More Vino began offering some of their products at Linda’s and Superpharm outlets nationwide.
This will continue, Stone said.
“We have been pleased with the response to Linda’s and Superpharm sales.
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“Convenience to the customer continues to be a main factor in these times. It gives us a great opportunity to supply our sushi and chicken bombs across the nation and this service will continue,” he said.
On October 11, the TT Safe Zones initiative was officially launched in this country.
These safe zones allow fully vaccinated members of the public to access restaurants as well as cinemas, bars, gyms and casinos.
But even with inhouse dining allowed to resume since two Mondays ago, Stone said More Vino’s customers will still have to wait a little while longer for the opportunity to dine inside its restaurants, Stone said.
“The restaurants at Ariapita and San Fernando will reopen for in-house on the 22nd November. We made the decision to delay the reopening in order to give our staff ample time to clearly understand the requirements of opening as a safe zone and to make the best personal decision for themselves. We look forward to welcoming all of our customers for dine-in next month,” he said.
Stone said this year, just like last year when the pandemic officially arrived on T&T’s shores “has been very challenging.”
“Restaurants were closed for almost four months during which time many expenses are still to be paid. Food costs have also been consistently climbing which puts even more pressure on the restaurant industry. More Vino is one of the longest-standing restaurants on the island and we have always worked hard to find ways to adapt and continue – we plan on continuing to focus on our strengths, which has always been to bring a high quality, authentic and delicious food experience to our customers each and every time we serve them,” he said.
“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that plans should be made flexibly. For now, we want to focus on our passion for Japanese cuisine and continue to elevate the food experience on the island. We plan on bringing more unique experiences to our restaurant soon and always have something new cooking in the kitchen…” Stone said.
On Valentine’s Day in 2005 More Vino opened up its Ariapita doors.
Initially a retail store, the concept was redirected to a wine bar.
In 2009, “More Sushi” was created and it is now known as More Vino More Sushi showcasing a wide array of sushi, wine, spirits and cocktails.
With the success of the Ariapita Avenue’s location, it was decided to branch out to San Fernando and offer another experience to another part of the country.
More Vino More Sushi opened on December 21, 2011, fully equipped with a downstairs and upstairs dining area and outdoor decking.
This year marked 16 years since More Vino’s existence.