Now more than ever, it is important to support and champion local businesses. All of our 76 stores are owned locally by fellow Kiwi's, plus HELL is 666% NZ owned through and through. We've went out and asked our local minions a few questions so you can get to know your local better!
Brian - HELL Invercargill Owner
On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate the people within your bubble and why?
10 of course, they had to put up with me for 5 weeks of grumbling every 1pm when listening to the Covid 19 updates and the press gallery asking questions that had already been talked about just five minutes earlier.
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
Its just like a family, Ben’s like the dad a bit stern at times and happy when everything is fine, my Area Manager is like my aunty; full of support and encouragement. The IT team like nephews happy to help out their uncle when he has some simple IT question that needs sorted.
What do you like most about being a part of HELL?
The staff are great, for some this is their first job so being a part of this time in their lives is awesome. Plus the great support from the Head Office team.
Have you made any TikTok’s during lockdown - can you share
TikTok, nah, Twitch for me; watching those racers in the iRacing and V8 Supercars.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
Unfortunately I did eat more, I did exercise more too. But there was weight gain for sure.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back to HELL?
Seeing everybody, although we are in small working bubbles so can’t see everyone for a couple of weeks.
Which of the Master’s creations are you most looking forward to eating again?
Sinister, love those beans. Fair to say my wife doesn’t like the consequences of me eating to many beans.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
Mate I love Hell, that’s why I brought the Hell store, so not sure if there is balance but I enjoy what I do.
Is avocado a vegetable or a fruit?
Never thought about it; fruit or a vegetable on toast doesn’t sound right. So its an Avo for me.
Jack - HELL Sydenham Owner
On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate the people within your bubble and why?
Sometimes 1 sometimes 10, depends on the mad cow’s mood.
(😬 let's move on shall we...)
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
4 litre sour cream with 1 bag of chips. What else I’m supposed to do with sour cream freshly delivered before lock down…
Have you made any TikTok’s during lockdown - can you share?
Tik what??
What does support local mean to you?
Support is mutual. Receive before take.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
I’m strategically saving my COVID kilos for the hard work to come
What are you most looking forward to about getting back to HELL?
Making money... I mean seeing my wonderful team of staffs again.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
Haven’t found it yet, work/life balance is ever changing. Do I think I work more than I want to? Yes sometimes but not all the time. We, as business owners just need to be flexible about it. Put in the hard yard when we need to and enjoy the fruit when we can. I guess that’s what one signed up for when one decide to be their own boss.
Did you watch Tiger King? Did Carole Baskin kill her husband?
No idea what that is. I am sure she at least wanted to. Who doesn’t?
Is a Shape a cracker or a biscuit ?
I thought cracker is same as biscuit. Might need more English lessons after all.
Queenie - HELL Cuba St Owner
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
It is amazing to have 32 adopted kids in our Hell store. Some are bit naughty, but most of them are amazing!
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
PIZZA with teriyaki sauce and Nutella banana pizza.
What do you like most about being a part of HELL?
Being a role model and a great leader.
Is a Shape a cracker or a biscuit ?
What the HELL. Cracker for 666% sure!!!
What does support local mean to you?
Being involved with the community.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back to HELL?
Seeing my Hell fam.
Which of the Master’s creations are you most looking forward to eating again?
Kaiju the prawn and wasabi mayo pizza.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
I can’t. Workaholic. Just kidding! I try to have Sunday off to have a family fun day with kids.
Melissa - HELL South Island Area Manager
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
I’ve grown up with HELL so to me, it really is a family. Most things I’ve learned in life have come from someone in HELL. I was really inspired by the first franchisee I worked for which kept me working my butt off to get where I am now. I’ve worked with many people from all walks of life and I love that we all come together in any situation.
What do you like most about being a part of HELL?
As above, The family vibes! I’ve worked in many shops over the past 14 years of being part of HELL. I’ve gotten to know many staff (some of whom I’m still close friends with) and many franchisees and everyone I have met has been so passionate and dedicated to what they do. I’m very proud to be a part of such an awesome, creative, NZ owned brand.
What does support local mean to you?
NZ owned and operated! Supporting your fellow kiwis through these dark times is so important. Without you, there is no them so do your part to help!
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
Definitely put on a nice winter layer!
Did you put a teddy bear in your window? Show us a photo!
Sure did! My daughter and I painted a giant teddy bear for kids to spot as they go past. Even our neighbours across the road love it!
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
It definitely has its challenges. I’m very passionate and dedicated and I always try to go above and beyond to help my franchisees. Sometimes I find myself still going late into the night because I like to finish my day with everything complete (which is impossible but I’m determined!). Sometimes my kids tell me I overwork but that’s just because they’re at home living their best life instead of going to school haha!
Did you watch Tiger King? Did Carole Baskin kill her husband?
Sure did! Carole Baskin definitely killed her husband but an unpopular opinion – girl has game!
Is a Shape a cracker or a biscuit ?
I’m more worried about how they find their way into the back of my couch! If I buy a pack of Chicken Crimpy shapes, the kids demolish them in minutes and leave evidence ALL OVER THE HOUSE!
Mr O. - HELL Riccarton, Timaru & Canterbury HELL On Wheels Owner
On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate the people within your bubble and why?
Lockdown with Mother in Law staying in the same house...
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
Makes me feel proud with good team staff members.
What do you like most about being a part of HELL?
Great communication and support from everyone. Especially Ben, who shows us how to cope and sends updates to all staff! Make things so easy.
What does support local mean to you?
HELL needs local to support, so I feel I should support my local.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
First 2 weeks put on the COVID kilos because I wasn't working. Not now though, with lots to prepare for re-opening.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
I worked like 70-80 hours a week between working in the shops and home...from two stores and a caravan. I am used to it though. I feel like HELL is part of my family too. HELL makes me work hard but also gives me a better life. I have chosen HELL since I entered the gate, no regrets.
Is a Shape a cracker or a biscuit ?
Biscuit.
Bin - HELL Manukau Owner
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
It means a lot. I graduated from Uni in 2007, the Hell gave me my first job after graduation. I have been with the Hell for 13 years now and Hell has become an integral part of my life.
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
Handmade pizza and spaghetti with family, especially my kids love to make them.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
I have gained some weight...
Which of the Master’s creations are you most looking forward to eating again?
The Death By Chicken
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
Recruit enough staff, put extra staff to work during the rush hour and put yourself available for on call.
Kalpna - HELL Island Bay Owner
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
Tried to make jalebis!
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
Awesome.
Do you like pineapple on pizza?
HELL nope!
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
Definitely some COVID kilos.
Which of the Master’s creations are you most looking forward to eating again?
The Sinister.
What are you most looking forward to about getting back to HELL?
Making delicious pizzas!
Rockie - HELL Highland Park Owner
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
Lust pineapple fried rice (of course without dough and base sauce).
What does support local mean to you?
Stay safe and don't make trouble for others.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
I can’t tell you this as I am still looking for a girlfriend.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
I don’t feel much personal life before lock down, but during lockdown, I feel life in Hell.
Dominic - Crew, HELL Mana
On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate the people within your bubble and why?
10 I'm not allowed to rate them anything else. Family rules!
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
Lemon cheesecake meringue pie.
Is avocado a vegetable or a fruit?
It's a large berry botanically. But we don't eat It like a fruit or a vegetable so maybe it's an avocado? Mind you in southern America they though it looked like a testicle so maybe the tree just has some big balls.
Are you fitter now, or have put on the COVID kilos?
I have become a professional model since lockdown.
How do you find your Hell work / life balance?
Been all life for the last while.
Is a Shape a cracker or a biscuit ?
It's a geometrical concept.
Sam - HELL Rolleston Owner
What does being a part of the HELL family mean to you?
Can't go to Heaven eventually because I have been to Hell.
What’s been the most creative meal you’ve made at home?
Cartoon steamed egg...
(🤔 We look forward to trying this)
Is avocado a vegetable or a fruit?
Vegetable, because it is green.