Bite-Size: A Short Interview with Alejandro Archibald
Maggie’s Snacks and Liquor co-owner, Alejandro Archibald, joins us for an interview about his new venue.
In The Interview
Concept and Target Market: Maggie’s Snacks and Liquor is positioned as a neighborhood bar, emphasising comfort and inclusivity. The name ‘Maggie’ reflects the idea of a welcoming place, reminiscent of saying, ‘Let’s go to Maggie’s Place.’ While the venue focuses on providing exceptional quality cocktails to fill a gap in the area, they aim to do everything well.
Local and Seasonal: Alejandro highlights the venue’s commitment to locality and seasonality in both the bar and kitchen offerings. The menu incorporates nostalgic New Zealand dishes, reworked and elevated by executive chef and co-owner Scott Blomfield. The majority of beverages, including spirits, beers and a significant portion of the wine list, are sourced from Australian producers – which Alejandro emphasises is important in supporting local businesses and product storytelling.
‘Margot Robbie’: The conversation touches on a signature cocktail called Margot Robbie, which recently generated some friendly online banter due to its deviation from using the gin owned by the Australian actress. Alejandro explains that the drink, a twist on another of his creations, gained its name during a tasting session at his place. The fun and pink cocktail has become a popular and playful addition to the menu.
Creativity in Work: Alejandro shares his approach to creativity through the creation of expression-limiting boundaries and elaborates on how he does this with seasonal produce and flavour pairings. He explains that by limiting himself, he is better able to transform ideas and create unexpected combinations.
Challenges in Opening: Opening the bar was not without its challenges, notably in terms of budget constraints and unexpected renovations. The old building required extensive work beyond initial expectations, leading to additional costs. The advice Alejandro gives future venue owners is to be prepared for unexpected expenses, suggesting a budget increase of at least 25% extra.
Attention to Detail: The interview concludes with Alejandro sharing the small details he focuses on to enhance the customer experience. Constant monitoring of lighting and music contributes to setting the right mood and ambience. A special note is made about the provision of hooks throughout the venue, addressing the practical need for customers to hang belongings and coats – contributing to a more organised and pleasant dining experience.
