More than 30,000 people are expected to attend tomorrow’s rugby test between the All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium and there will doubtlessly be plenty of mouths to feed.
Best Cafe expects to welcome more than 200 people a day, over three days — about twice its usual daily traffic.
They have stockpiled about 350 dozen Bluff oysters for the weekend, while they were also preparing to cook 200kg of hand-cut chips per day over the test weekend.
"Logistically, there has been a lot of forward-planning to prepare for this weekend," Best Cafe co-owner Greg Hay said.
"We expect more than 200 guests each day — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — and we’ve been flat-out organising stock and staff."
"It’s definitely going to be one of the busiest times of year.
"The challenge will be having enough space for everyone ... we’re making sure we’re not rushing like crazy on the day."
Kaan’s catering general manager Peter Deans said it was getting ready for the "tsunami" of work over the weekend.
"It’s coming off a pretty quiet period for hospitality in Dunedin; this weekend will be bigger than a normal graduation weekend.
"Usually with a weekend as busy as this, there’s a few curveballs, but we’re looking forward to it."
Mr Deans said with higher interest rates and the delay in the drop-off in the official cash rate, patrons had been a lot more prudent about their spending.
"The industry is also having its own cost issues; for some businesses the general price increases might mean ordering slightly cheaper cuts and the like."
