She credits an ‘‘impulse decision’’.

Queenstowner Zoe Phillips has taken over iconic local food truck, Habebes, officially reopening today after being in hibernation for the past five months.

Initially set up by Amanda Mulqueen in 2021, it was closed last August.

While Phillips has a long history in hospo — she’s been in the industry since she was 18, was a chef at Frank’s and the former manager of Fat Badgers pizza bar — this is her first time as a business owner/operator.

‘‘[Buying and taking over] all happened, basically, within one week,’’ she says.

While she was aware of Habebes’ presence in Queenstown, she didn’t realise its full history.

It was opened in the ’80s by Katrina Kallil in what was the Wakatipu Arcade, later moving to premises off Beach Street.

Mulqueen took over much later, but closed the bricks and mortar store in August, 2021, when her lease was up and she couldn’t sell the business.

Soon after, though, she opened the trailer, which in the year she operated it popped up all over the Whakatipu.

Known for its Middle Eastern-inspired salads and wraps, Phillips says she’s keen to continue catering to locals and regulars, many of whom have been in touch since the reopening was announced.

The initial plan’s to open five days a week, from at least 11am till 3pm.

Habebes’ grand reopening’s at Camp St’s Frank’s Corner, opposite the Queenstown fire station, from noon today.

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