A Career Built on Systems, Teams, and Drive
Before he ever thought about running a restaurant, Ramesh spent most of his professional life deep in the IT industry. It was a world built on precision, problem-solving, and getting systems to work—skills that might seem a world away from the warmth and chaos of a busy dining room. But Ramesh saw the connection before most people would.
Over time, he found himself drawn to hospitality's core promise: creating great experiences for people. That pull became impossible to ignore. In 2022, he took the leap and purchased his first hospitality business, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter.
Today, Ramesh and his team own and operate three hospitality businesses—with Lone Star Tauranga as their third and, arguably, their most exciting venture yet.
"Many of the same principles apply," Ramesh says, reflecting on the overlap between his IT career and his life in hospitality. "Building strong teams, delivering consistent experiences, and creating a positive culture—these things matter in every industry."
That mindset has proven to be a powerful foundation. What Ramesh brought from the tech world wasn't just discipline. It was the understanding that great outcomes don't happen by accident—they're built, person by person and system by system.
More Than a Meal—A Family Restaurant Tauranga Loves
Ask Ramesh what sets Lone Star apart from other hospitality brands, and he doesn't hesitate. "The family atmosphere," he says. "Lone Star has a unique ability to make both customers and team members feel like they belong. It creates genuine connections that go beyond just food and service."
That sense of belonging is exactly what makes it such a popular family restaurant Tauranga families return to again and again. It isn't something you can manufacture with clever marketing or trendy decor—it's something you feel the moment you walk through the door. At Lone Star Tauranga, it shows up in the way the staff greet regulars by name, in the big, welcoming dining room that somehow always feels personal, and in an environment where a solo diner and a table of twenty can both feel right at home.
For Ramesh, this is the Lone Star difference—and it's something he's committed to protecting and growing as the restaurant continues to find its place in the Tauranga community.
Ramesh has been part of the New Zealand hospitality scene long enough to understand what makes a brand truly stick. And Lone Star, he'll tell you, is something different.
"Lone Star has a strong identity and a loyal following built over decades," he explains. "It combines a fun, relaxed environment with a deep sense of community—which is something you don't often find in other hospitality brands."
That combination is rare. Many venues can pull off fun. Others can feel warm and welcoming. But blending both—consistently, across locations, over years—requires something deeper than a good theme and a solid menu. It requires a culture. And Lone Star has that in abundance. For anyone weighing up restaurants near Tauranga, that culture is exactly what sets this one apart.
For the people of Tauranga, that culture is now available right in their own backyard.
The Go-To Order (And the Story Behind It)
No great profile is complete without the honest answer to the most important question: what does the owner actually order?
Ramesh doesn't miss a beat. "Start with a cold drink," he says. "Then it's the legendary Redneck Ribs and a Johnny Stash. And no meal is complete without the Jack Daniel's Chocolate Fudge Pudding to finish."
But what makes that order truly memorable isn't the food itself—it's who he's sharing it with. "Especially when I get to share it with my son," he adds warmly. "That combination perfectly captures what Lone Star is all about: great food, generous portions, and creating memorable moments with family and friends."
That's the spirit of Lone Star Tauranga in a single meal. Big flavors. Real warmth. The kind of night out you want to repeat.
Come Find Your Table
Ramesh Krishnappa's journey—from IT professional to hospitality owner to the face behind one of Tauranga's most exciting dining destinations—is a story about following a genuine calling. It's about recognising that the skills you build in one life can fuel something unexpected and deeply rewarding in the next.
At Lone Star Tauranga, that journey translates directly into the experience you'll have as a guest. You'll feel it in the atmosphere, in the service, and in a team that takes real pride in what they do.
So if you're scrolling through restaurants near Tauranga, looking for a family restaurant Tauranga can count on, or simply hunting for the best restaurant Tauranga has to offer, Lone Star Tauranga is ready to welcome you. Come in, pull up a seat, and meet Ramesh and the team. We have a feeling you'll want to stay a while.
📍 Visit Lone Star Tauranga to explore the menu, make a reservation, or plan your next celebration.