PHOTO: A hole-in-the-wall, a community hub, and the city’s most loved hot chips — gone by the end of February. PROPERTY NOISE
🏪 End of an era for a Newtown staple
A much-loved Wellington fish-and-chip shop, Rice Bowl Burger Bar, is preparing to close its roller door for the final time at the end of February — bringing an end to a business that has fed generations since the early 1970s.
Co-owner Wawa Shen, who has run the shop alongside her husband Qing for the past 16 years, says the closure comes after the building’s landlord confirmed plans to redevelop the site.
While the family had known redevelopment was likely, the final notice came with little warning.
“We only received the final date a couple of days ago,” Shen said.
🧡 “So much memory” — a shop that raised a family
For the Shen family, Rice Bowl Burger Bar was never just a business.
“So much memories,” Shen said. “The kids have all grown up at the back of the shop.”
Open seven days a week, with 11-hour weekday shifts, the burger bar was woven into daily life — not just for the family, but for the wider Newtown community.
“Life always keeps moving on,” Shen said. “Maybe there’s a chance for us to change our life a little bit.”
🔥 A place of comfort in tragedy
The shop also became an unexpected refuge during one of Newtown’s darkest moments — the Loafers Lodge fire, which claimed five lives just a short distance away.
“Most of them were our customers,” Shen said.
“The people were sitting here yesterday… and now they’re gone.”
Even after being rehoused, many former lodge residents continued to return.
“They still come back,” she said. “This is their kitchen.”
💬 Customers flood in with love — and chips
Since news of the closure broke, Shen says messages from customers have been relentless.
“So many,” she said. “I don’t even have time to reply.”
For locals like Carolyne Peterson, Rice Bowl was the default option.
“It was always open,” she said. “The best chips. Definitely the chips.”
Long-time customer Matt Davis, who’s lived nearby for almost 23 years, says the loss hits hard.
“Best hot chips in town and great service,” he said.
“We’re going to have to stock up on Nasi Goreng for the freezer.”
🕰️ Changing times, changing hours
At its peak, the shop was open until midnight — even 3am.
“After Covid, everything changed,” Shen said.
“It’s quite okay now, but it’s different.”
The family is exploring future business options, but for now the focus remains on finishing strong.
🙏 A simple thank you — and a lasting legacy
In a message posted to the shop’s Facebook page, the owners thanked customers for their:
“continued love and support over the last 17 years.”
But the truth is, Rice Bowl Burger Bar’s impact stretches far beyond that — into half a century of Wellington life, late-night feeds, and quiet moments of connection over hot chips.
Some places are more than shops.
This was one of them.