End of an Era: Petone’s Iconic Soprano Italian Restaurant Up for Sale After 20 Years
By Lions Roar News Regional Desk
PETONE, LOWER HUTT (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) — After nearly two decades of serving as a cornerstone of the Jackson Street dining scene, Soprano Italian Restaurant is officially seeking a new owner. The current owners, Latisha and Jonathan Dowling, announced the “heartbreaking” decision to sell or close the beloved establishment, citing the immense pressure faced by the hospitality industry over recent years.
The announcement marks the end of a deeply personal chapter for the Dowlings, whose lives have been inextricably linked with the restaurant’s four walls for twenty years.
❤️ A Love Story Woven into Jackson Street
For the Dowlings, Soprano was far more than a business; it was the backdrop to their entire adult lives. In a poignant Facebook post, they shared how the restaurant played a starring role in their family history:
- Where it Began: The couple first met while working side-by-side at the restaurant under the previous owner.
- Family Milestones: They fell in love, got married, and raised three children while managing the kitchen and floor.
- Full Circle: Their journey reached a symbolic peak recently, with their 14-year-old eldest child beginning to work the floor—the same place where their own story started.
📉 The “Incredibly Tough” Hospitality Climate
Despite their passion, the Dowlings were candid about the toll the last few years have taken on the business. Like many in the New Zealand hospitality sector, the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising operational costs, and shifting consumer habits have made the environment increasingly difficult to navigate.
“The last few years—especially COVID—were incredibly tough,” the couple shared. “Like many in our industry, we poured everything we had into keeping the doors open, the lights on, and our people cared for.”
The decision to step away is driven by a desire to prioritize family time and “step into a new chapter” after two decades of high-pressure service.
🗓️ What Happens Next?
The Dowlings have officially opened expressions of interest for prospective buyers who wish to take over the mantle of this Petone institution.
- Final Date: If a sale is not finalized before then, the restaurant’s last day of service will be March 31, 2026.
- A Message to Locals: The owners extended their deepest gratitude to the Petone community, describing their loyal customers as “part of our family.”
