In February, a 27-year-old Aucklander won a Trade Me auction for a former Spagalimis pizza restaurant in Northlands Mall, Christchurch for just $181 !!!

Theresa Cowan and her mum, Kathy Dryfhout, struggled to drum up investment support for the high costs of their new venture, however high-profile Christchurch business personalities Mike Pero and Cookie Time founder Michael Mayell have come to the rescue with some innovative ways to drum up the dollars needed.

Cowan will be fundraising by selling pizza-sized limited-edition Cookie Time biscuits, using Mayell’s recipe and factory.

The cookies (which will be sold along with a dDub cd) will go on sale for 24 hours from 7.30pm tonight (Thursday 16 April).

Buyers will receive life-time membership to 181 Restaurant, which includes discounts and specials on birthdays.

Check out their restaurant page on Menu Mania for more info on plans for the launch.

Sources: www.infonews.co.nz & www.stuff.co.nz