A popular Tauranga restaurant is back in the 'hub of dining” as the first occupant of The Strand's new multi-million dollar building development.

Lone Star Restaurant this week reopened for business on The Strand, 12 months after it was announced the historical Tauranga Hotel, built in 1930, would be demolished as part of The Loft's three-storey redevelopment.

A few weeks' work is left to complete The Loft development, but Lone Star opened its doors to diners this week.

The restaurant has been temporary located at 100 Devonport Rd since construction began in November last year.

Lone Star owner Jacqui Donaghy says it is exciting to be back on The Strand, Tauranga's 'hub of dining”.

'We are feeling really good and everything is going to plan.”

The restaurant occupies 500 square metres on the ground floor and half of the first floor, with room to cater for more than 180 diners.

Veros Property Partners development manager Peter Williams, a spokesperson for the development, is very pleased Lone Star has finally moved in.

It is understood the remainder of the three-storey building will be occupied by offices, with space for between one and three tenants.

But no further tenants have been confirmed, and Peter is keeping tight-lipped on the final make-up.

'We want to keep our powder dry for a couple of weeks until we have finished the development off,” says Peter.

The development on the corner of The Strand and Harington Street, is a project by Lady Rose Dairy, a company associated with Tauranga's Waddell family, who own Pak N Save on Cameron Road.


Inside the new Lone Star, opened on Thursday night.