John Hellebrekers

  • Hall of Fame
  • 2017

Hospitality has always been in John's blood – his parents were hotel owners and he started at the bottom of the food chain as a trainee. He slowly worked his way up until he opened his first bar in Auckland, Degree Gastrobar, which is still a success 14 years on.

After a late night casino meeting in Las Vegas, the seed had been planted for the model that was to become Barworks Hospitality Group. Five years ago, John and his business partners officially joined forces with DB Breweries and formed Barworks, a group that now operates 22 successful bars and restaurants in Auckland, as well as the function venue Five Knots.

It is John's willingness to take a chance on people and recognise their character that holds him in high regard within the group. John's passion, commitment and drive ensured steady growth within the Barworks Group, which has a unique and highly successful business model.

For John, it is all about the people, "taking someone from employee to business owner is the best part of the job; changing people's lives."