A Kiwi chef is demonstrating that success can be found even in a tough industry. 

Ben Bayly owns six restaurants around New Zealand, including Ahi and Aosta, and is set to open a seventh. 

Wellington will be getting its first dining experience helmed by Bayly, located in the infamous Wellington Pavillion. 

Between his six restaurants and his TV show ‘A New Zealand Food Story’, which has just finished up its fourth season, Bayly lives a busy life. Despite this, the work isn’t wearing him thin. 

“I have this sense of enthusiasm that I can’t extinguish,” he told Mike Hosking. 

For Bayly, working in hospitality is less of a job and more of a lifestyle, answering calls, emails, and setting up bookings even on the weekends.  

“I love that stuff.” 

“There’s nothing better than putting a smile on someone’s face,” Bayly said. 

“What other job do you walk out at the end of the day and every single customer said, ‘wow, that was amazing, thank you so much.’” 

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