In the past 12 months, The Kitchen Project delivered not one but three unforgettable food experiences in Pukekohe under the banner of Kai Franklin, a series of ticketed events designed to celebrate local hospitality and showcase the best of what the region has to offer.
Across Kai Franklin Chef’s Table, Kai Franklin Eat Street and Kai Franklin Moveable Feast, a total of 14 eateries and restaurants were featured and more than 300 guests took part in events that put Pukekohe on the culinary map.
Each event offered a unique format but shared the same core ingredients: talented locals, incredible food and a commitment to growing the Franklin region’s food story in a meaningful way. Known as New Zealand’s food bowl, Franklin was the perfect setting to bring this celebration to life.
First in this series was Chef’s Table held in April 2024 at the historic 1 Roulston Street. This one-night-only event transformed the venue into a vibrant pop-up dining room.
Guests enjoyed a stunning four-course meal prepared by four local restaurants, The Daily Goods, SuMei, Blue Ox Babe, and Seddon 64, and the event was supported by high school students from Pukekohe High School working across front-of-house and providing the entertainment.
With over 100 guests in attendance, and special appearances from celebrity chef Ben Bayly and local producers like The Fresh Grower, Clevedon Buffalo, and Black Pond Beef, it was a true showcase of collaboration and talent. The night was also a first taste of what is possible at 1 Roulston as a future community food hub.
Fast forward to September, and the buzz continued with Eat Street a global food experience set up right in the heart of town. With dishes from popular eateries like Terri Yummies (Vietnamese), Ginger (Indian), Paasha (Turkish), and a student-run dumpling kitchen, which was finished with award-winning Italian gelato from Sparrow & Sweet. Eat Street combined food, music and community spirit across two sold-out sessions.
135 guests also enjoyed local beverages from John Hill Estate and Manaia Craft Brewers, while Pukekohe High School students provided service, music and flavour in equal measure.
It was a night full of connection, culture and delicious food.
The most recent event in the series, Moveable Feast, was held in April 2025 and offered a fresh take on dining out in Pukekohe. 80 guests gathered at The Kitchen Project’s venue at 1 Roulston to enjoy welcome drinks and appetisers before setting off on foot to visit a series of mystery restaurants around town.
Over the course of the evening, diners experienced four courses across different venues: Hana Michi, the Good Home, Franklin’s Bar & Eatery, Johnny’s Steak House, Appetite and Little Ed. Each of the roaming courses revealed a new chef, cuisine and surprise setting.
The format encouraged connection not only with the food but also with fellow guests and the people behind the restaurants. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the most fun and engaging ways to experience local dining. A true celebration of Franklin’s hospitality scene.
Celebrating Local, One Plate at a Time
Together, these events did more than just fill tables. They supported local businesses, gave high school students valuable hospitality experience, and built energy around food as a way to connect people and strengthen community.
For The Kitchen Project, it was also about showing how food can be a tool for economic development and local pride working alongside partners the Pukekohe Business Association, the Franklin Local Board and Eke Panuku Development Auckland.
As manager Connie Clarkson says, “This is what building community wealth through food looks like. You bring together people, place and purpose, and the results are delicious and powerful. Over the past 12 months, we have delivered three Kai Franklin events that have elevated 14 local businesses, created career development opportunities for high school students, and welcomed over 300 guests to experience what makes Pukekohe so special.”
Clarkson reflects, “It has been a joy to see restaurants, students, and our wider community step into the spotlight under the Kai Franklin banner. The success of these events shows what is possible when local talent and local support come together around the table.”
