BROTHERS in business Brian and Wayne Parfitt own restaurants and bars all over the world, and moved into Niseko in a big way this season with The Vale Bar and Grill, The Bunker nightclub and Lars Longcox Mexican bar…
How did you come to be in Asia and Niseko?
Wayne went on a holiday to Hong Kong 20 years ago, saw potential, and decided to open a small pizza restaurant in Sai Kung (Pepperonis). Through many expats living in HK, we heard about the potential in Niseko and came up for a look. Asia offers unlimited potential for a range of opportunities, and Niseko is no different.
Tell us about your bars and restaurants?
In Hong Kong we own and operate 12 restaurants – Jaspas, Pepperonis, Cru, Zaks, Sopranos, Wagyu, and Wagyu Lounge. We also operate six Chinese junks (boats) with charters to outlaying beaches and islands off Hong Kong. In Vietnam, we have 24 in both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi – Pepperonis, Jaspas, Al Frescos and Papa Joe’s. We also run Lola’s restaurant in Broadbeach, Australia, and, of course our Niseko restaurants.
When did you first come to Niseko?
Three years ago we took a look around. We then purchased the current Lars Longcox site at Mountain Side Palace, and started exploring additional opportunities, which led to our involvement in The Vale Niseko site.
With your worldwide experience, what was the potential you saw in Niseko?
Niseko has the advantage of snow – and lots of it! While it still has a long way to go, developments like The Vale Niseko apartments, Snow Crystal and Alpine Ridge are the way of the future.
The Bunker is the first nightclub in Niseko. Does Niseko need more nightclubs?
Definitely, but not only nightclubs – restaurants, bars and retail as well. Niesko needs to expand its offerings – more well-operated restaurants, bars and clubs on offer can only benefit everyone. Competition is good – it offers the visitors more choice and this in turn will bring more of them. There are exciting times ahead.
What’s it like working as brothers in business?
No problems – each of us has our own unique skills. We are both very different, but that seems to work. Mum would get upset if we didn’t play nicely together.
What are your plans for the future in Niseko?
We’re currently looking at a few opportunities, but there’s still lots to be done at our current outlets. We see potential to develop the summer traffic through the town, although this will take a bit of work and commitment from everyone who is committed to the area. We hope to work closely with everyone involved to help Niseko reach its full potential all year round.
What did you do before you came to Niseko?
We resisted the lure of lucrative modelling contracts and focussed on the food and beverage business while based in Hong Kong. We enjoy the lifestyle there, and travel between Australia, Vietnam, and now Japan.
What makes Niseko special?
The potential, the snow and the people.