Previously part of Foodstuffs, on Monday Gorge Rd’s Raeward Fresh Queenstown was rebranded as McKibbon’s of Royalburn.
Owners Jono and Jess Ettema, who bought the store in October, 2022 from longtime owners Angela and Nathan Imlach, have also brought in Royalburn Station owners Nadia Lim and Carlos Spencer as partners.
Representing a fresh chapter in the local food scene, McKibbon’s is named after William McKibbon, the first pioneering farmer to break in Royalburn, on the Crown Terrace, in the 1880s.
The store will carry forward a legacy of excellence in farming and fresh produce — Royalburn, a 1200 acre farm, is synonymous with exceptional New Zealand produce, and the new venture brings a piece of that rich heritage to Queenstown.
The couple say they’re "thrilled" to partner with the Ettemas to launch McKibbon’s.
"It’s a privilege to collaborate with such talented and passionate food enthusiasts, who share our commitment to bringing the very best to our community.
"Together, we are excited to continue offering not only our farm’s finest lamb, eggs, beer and honey, but also all the same high-quality products from our suppliers that locals have come to love."
The Ettemas say they’re "beyond excited" to work with Lim and Bagrie to elevate the experiences of both the gourmet grocer and Arrowtown’s Royalburn Farm Shop.
"Working together as McKibbon’s of Royalburn in this new venture will really allow us to push the boundaries and bring Queenstown something truly special in the grocery sector.
"To say it is a privilege to work alongside like-minded people would be an understatement."
To celebrate the next chapter, there’s a grand opening day for the public this Saturday at the Queenstown store, where the public can sample some Christmas treats, food from local suppliers, enjoy a sizzler from the BBQ and the chance to win gourmet prizes.
Lim, Bagrie and the Ettemas will be on site, from 11am, along with Kiwi broadcasting legend Mike McRoberts.
