Experienced chef and culinary author Craig Rodger has flourished under PAK’nSAVE Papanui’s commitment to employee growth and development. After a decade in the restaurant industry – working in fine dining, recipe development, and co-authoring six cookbooks – Craig has embraced a new path at PAK'nSAVE and an ambition to become a store owner.

With a young family, Craig was focused on better work-life balance and family friendly hours. So, when owner-operator Bryan Walker offered him the position of store deli manager at a family wedding, Craig gladly accepted and made the move to Christchurch. 

Over the past five years, Craig has excelled in various managerial roles at PAK'nSAVE Papanui, gaining valuable experience in departments including seafood, bakery, fresh foods, and now, as Dry Goods Manager. 

His passion for mentorship and continuous improvement has been supported by owner-operators Bryan Walker and Lucy Boock, who invest in their team with ongoing training and development, and have cultivated a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and a customer-first mindset.

"PAK'nSAVE Papanui has provided an incredible platform for my career," Craig says. "The leadership and mentorship here are outstanding. I appreciate the support I’ve received to experiment, lead, and grow while maintaining a strong work-life balance. It’s an inspiring environment where I feel empowered to keep getting better."

“It’s also great to be able to take my two daughters to school in the mornings – having that flexibility makes such a difference.”

The store has a strong culture of supporting and investing in people who show potential and it’s something both Bryan and his wife Lucy give a lot of attention to, having both worked their way up through various supermarket roles to store ownership themselves. 

“We’ve both had the same guidance and support to grow our own careers. We’ve put in the hard yards, gained the experience and taken all the steps required to own our own store. As a family-owned business, it’s a priority for us to look after our team, and pass that same work ethic, and knowledge and support on to others so they can also reach their potential and achieve their goals,” Bryan says. 

Craig recently completed a leadership management course as part of the Foodstuffs South Island Learning and Development Programme, an achievement that demonstrates his commitment to personal development and provides a pathway to his long-term goal of store ownership. 

Before joining PAK'nSAVE, Craig was a recipe developer for My Food Bag, where he contributed to Fresh Start recipes. He opened the keto restaurant Loop in Auckland in 2014, drawing from his fine dining background, which included roles in Michelin-starred Glenapp Castle in Scotland and high-end establishments in London.

As he reflects on his journey from chef to supermarket manager, Craig is grateful for the opportunities and support PAK'nSAVE Papanui has provided. 

"This is a workplace where you’re encouraged to take on challenges, grow professionally, and work toward goals,” Craig says. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds and to one day owning my own store."