Tom & Stacey Newfield
From Family Kitchens to Culinary Ventures: A Journey Fuelled by Passion
Tom’s passion for food began at a young age, sparked by the joy of hosting family gatherings where he would eagerly help prepare meals on weekends. This early fascination with cooking and hospitality eventually led Tom to start work in the industry at a young age, beginning with waiting tables. After leaving school, further studies were pursued to hone his skills, with the privilege of learning from some incredible mentors along the way.
The journey took him overseas, working in various locations around the globe, and gaining invaluable experience. His sister Stacey joined him during his time in Melbourne, and it was there that her own passion for food blossomed. Together, they immersed themselves in the vibrant food scene, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the culinary world. With their shared passion and enhanced skillset, they decided to bring their experiences back to their hometown of Christchurch. Here, they are dedicated to sharing their love for food through their endeavours, blending international influences with local flavours to create memorable dining experiences for their community. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of food and the joy of sharing that passion with others.
Their goal on this journey is simple: serve good food to great people. They aim to entertain people through their passion for food, loving what they do and the way it brings happiness to others. They believe there is something incredibly special about seeing the smiles on people's faces as they enjoy a delicious meal or experience a memorable dining moment.
Their love for food isn't just about the flavours and techniques; it's about the emotions and connections it fosters. It's about creating experiences that leave a lasting impression, whether it's a cosy meal with friends or a special celebration. Bringing this passion back to their city of Christchurch has been incredibly fulfilling.
They have most certainly encountered their fair share of trials and tribulations along the way, as is common in any business endeavour. The hospitality industry, in particular, presents its own set of challenges that can be quite demanding. However, when passion aligns with values, overcoming these hurdles becomes a necessary part of the journey. Their journey is a testament to the belief that perseverance and a genuine love for what you do can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Fortunate to experience numerous highs, they have served Prime Ministers and culinary royalty like Nigella Lawson. Winning accolades for their team's hard work and seeing Stacey embark on her own entrepreneurial path has been incredibly rewarding. However, one of the greatest highlights is welcoming and serving each and every person who walks through their doors every day. Whether it's a regular customer or someone visiting for the first time, creating memorable dining experiences for their guests is at the heart of what they do, and they still get a buzz from it each and every day.
When we asked about future aspirations, Tom said “Consistency should be the number one aspiration – ensuring we maintain the high standards we've set, continuing to refine our craft, and evolving with the culinary landscape. It's not always about chasing the latest opening or following trends; there's a genuine and honest appeal in becoming an iconic venue known for excellence and authenticity.”
We are very lucky in this city to have people like Tom and Stacey who bring their passion and entrepreneurial flair to our community. If you haven’t tried Tom’s Restaurant Earl, it’s located at 128 Lichfield Street in the heart of the SALT District. You will likely catch Stacey in her Roma food truck and one of the many events or festivals held here in the city, or catch her at Earls on a Tuesday where she helps Tom on his busy Tuesday Pasta night!
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