Since last September, Hunter Furniture in Sydenham has been now home to several different businesses - Luciano's coffeeshop, Bob's Hifi, Kitchen n Things, and a Farmers clearance store.
It's now home to chef Jonny Schwass, who lost his Woolston business, Restaurant Schwass, in last February's quake.
He's set up a tiny restaurant for 10 people inside Hunter Furniture, called Shwass in a Box.
Jonny has plans for bigger things - a restaurant that would employ 50 staff - but he hasn't been able to get insurance.
Tonight is opening night, and John Campbell spoke to Jonny about the path to this point, and his plans for the future.
Campbell Live was joined at the restaurant by several guests: Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee, journalist Amanda Cropp, and Hunter Furniture manager Matt Roberts.
Watch the video for the full report