Hospitality Business Magazine

Simon Gault goes into retirement – villages!

Simon Gault enters a new market.

Retirement village company Metlifecare is partnering with high profile chef Simon Gault to enhance its food experience for residents, and will work with kitchen teams across its villages nationwide.

Gault will introduce his take on popular classic dishes incorporating fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Metlifecare and Gault aim to increase customer satisfaction through an increased focus on food quality. Qualified village chefs will work with Gault to create signature dishes bearing his name, fulfilling Metlifecare’s ‘There’s More to Come’ commitment to residents. First up is ‘Simon Gault’s Caesar Salad’ with more dishes to be announced over the next couple of months.

One of New Zealand’s largest retirement village operators, Metlifecare has built a solid foundation to enhance its food offering in response to resident feedback, and its partnership with Gault acknowledges how important dining is to bringing families together.

“I’m really excited to be on board with Metlifecare, and am looking forward to reinforcing the importance of eating well at every age. My intention is to add a twist to classic dishes while suggesting ideas on how to improve dish presentation,” says Gault.

“Funnily enough, as a schoolboy my first job was at a retirement village so it’s quite rewarding to come full circle and now work with Metlifecare staff to freshen the dining experience for residents.”

Metlifecare chief executive officer Glen Sowry says residents will be thrilled to sample creations from one of New Zealand’s most loved chefs, while village chefs will value the opportunity to work with such a well-known and respected chef.

“We feel privileged to have Simon Gault influence change in our village dining rooms. Our highly committed teams are excited to be working with him and together take the experience to the next level for residents, staff and their families,” says Sowry.