At Floriditas and Loretta, we’re driven by a passion for exceptional food, unforgettable experiences, and solid, sustainable business practices. Our team is led by four owners, two of whom have been pioneering the Wellington hospitality scene since the 1980s. Each brings a unique set of skills and decades of experience that make our venues more than just places to eat and drink—they’re part of the fabric of Cuba Street and the Wellington community.
Julie Clark
A renowned cook, baker, author and entrepreneur, Julie has been a key figure in Wellington’s culinary scene for over 30 years. Now our Finance Director, she ensures the smooth operation of our business with her expertise in finance, compliance, and contracts. Julie’s passion for great food is reflected in everything we do, and she brings that same dedication to ensuring our business thrives.
James Pedersen
The ‘wine guy’ of the group, James brings with him a wealth of knowledge not only in wine but also in hospitality, finance, and strategy. He’s an expert in
crafting wine lists that reflect New Zealand’s best offerings.. With an exceptional palate, he curates a list that perfectly complements our menus. James is the driving force behind the beverage program at both venues, using his strategic insight to shape the overall direction of our business while ensuring a cohesive and memorable guest experience.
Hayden McMillan
Our GM and Executive Chef, Hayden has worked in hospitality across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. A chef of the highest calibre, Hayden leads our venues’ culinary direction while also driving the business from a strategic perspective. With years of leadership experience, he combines his cooking expertise with a deep understanding of business performance, ensuring that both our operations and guest experiences are continually elevated
Dominique Fourie McMillan
Coming from a legal background, Dominique found her true calling in hospitality, and now sets the standard for our Front of House operations. With a meticulous touch in guest experience, Dominique is also instrumental in our marketing, recruitment, and event management, ensuring that every guest’s experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Our Values
At Floriditas and Loretta, we believe in three core principles that guide us every day:
Outstanding Food and Beverage
We use only the finest ingredients to create dishes that delight the senses. Every bite, sip, and pour is crafted with care and dedication.
Outstanding Experiences
We don’t just serve food; we create memorable experiences for our guests and staff alike. Heart-led generosity is at the heart of our service philosophy, and we strive to go above and beyond for everyone we interact with.
Outstanding Finance
We believe in building a sustainable business that thrives. By teaching our team the fundamentals of business and sharing in our success, we ensure the long-term success of our venues.
Our Team Culture
At Floriditas and Loretta, we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a family. Our culture is rooted in heart-led generosity, a service philosophy that emphasises kindness, empathy, and a commitment to going the extra mile. We work hard to maintain a positive, productive, and community-driven environment where every team member feels strongly aligned with their colleagues and the work we do.
We also offer a range of initiatives that reflect our commitment to our team:
Open Book Management
Transparency is key to our success. We share the financials with our team to help them understand how their hard work contributes to the business. By empowering staff with this knowledge, we encourage ownership, responsibility, and pride in what we do.
Performance Incentive Program (PIP)
When our venues hit our financial targets, we reward our staff with a share of the profits. This weekly cash payout motivates and incentivises our team to stay focused on both individual and collective success.
One-on-One Coaching
We offer tailored leadership coaching with Hayden McMillan, our GM, to help develop our senior staff in all aspects of management—whether it’s people skills, financial management, or effective communication. We’re committed to providing the support needed to grow within our business.
Personalised Career Development
We believe in promoting from within. Our team members work alongside us to identify their professional goals, and we provide the resources, tools, and support to help them achieve those ambitions. Your career growth matters to us, and we’ll be there every step of the way.
Staff Discount
Our team enjoys a 25% discount on the menu at both Floriditas and Loretta, so they can enjoy the same exceptional food, drinks, and experiences they help create.
We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent. If you’re interested in joining our team, please send an email with a current CV (and two professional references) to [email protected].