Profiles
Alex Boyes Manager/Owner
Alex Boyes grew up in Hamilton and moved to Queenstown at the age of 18 to pursue his passion for the outdoors and career in restaurant hospitality.
Now, with more than 17 years of experience in all aspects of food and beverage service and management including hotels, large busy restaurants and The Wharf Casino Bar, Alex specialises in management, business development, staff training and recruitment.
As the current head of the local Restaurant Association he is highly respected for his professionalism, talent and knowledge of the restaurant industry both in Queenstown and nationwide.
Alex and partner Jan Rae Robertson bought their first restaurant in 2001 and rebranded it Wai. In 2004 they expanded the partnership to include Executive Chef Martin James and his wife Megan and have since opened two more restaurants, FINZ Seafood & Grill in 2005 and Bella Cucina in October 2008.
After many years in the business, Alex still gets a buzz from seeing people enjoying themselves through good food and good wine.
Jan Rae-Robertson Owner
Nearly 30 years a Queenstowner, Jan Rae Robertson has been in the restaurant industry since 1987 when she opened Minami Jujisei Japanese restaurant with then husband and well-known restaurateur Tony Robertson.
Boardwalk restaurant followed, then Wai, FINZ, and now 21 years on Jan has opened her fifth Queenstown restaurant, Bella Cucina.
Originally trained in hotel management, accounting and reservations, Jan’s role in the 4front Dining partnership is behind the scenes although she has been known to make ‘guest’ appearances. She is the official bean counter (financial controller) for all three restaurants as well as the point of contact for marketing and reservations.
Jan is passionate about food and wine, creating a wonderful dining experience and providing an environment where staff enjoy their work.
Martin James Executive Chef/Owner
Martin James grew up in north Canterbury and moved to Queenstown with his wife Megan in 2003.
A qualified London City & Guilds chef, Martin has cooked professionally since 1991. His background in cuisine is varied and includes New Zealand Army culinary training, cooking classical French cuisine in Australia and several years in kitchens across England and Europe mastering different flavours and techniques.
Martin is serious about cuisine. As Executive Chef and part owner of Wai, FINZ and Bella Cucina, his cooking philosophy is integral to the style of the three 4front Dining restaurants. Martin believes in a ‘from scratch’ approach which brings a special dedication and attention to detail to every dish. Everything is made onsite – pastries, bread, sorbet, stocks, sauces, ice cream, hand-rolled pasta, and whole fish is flown in daily and filleted by kitchen staff. Wai is also the only restaurant in Queenstown to shuck its own oysters. Martin and his kitchen team spend many mornings in the kitchen mulling over flavours and designing dishes for the menus.
Megan James Owner
Megan James is a born and bred Central Otago girl. Originally from Omakau, Megan has amassed 12 years of hospitality experience ranging from waiting tables to restaurant management, administration and marketing.
Megan moved to Queenstown with husband Martin in 2003 and worked as a floor manager at Wai before the couple bought a half share in the restaurant in April 2004.
The pair are now part-owners and directors of 4front Dining, the company which owns three Queenstown restaurants, Wai, FINZ and Bella Cucina. Megan’s responsibilities include managing the payroll and websites for the group.