Local Business Brings Boost to Pacific Harbour
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. This saying rings true for some restaurant owners at The Arts Village in Pacific Harbour and the accommodation providers such as The Pearl Resort.
About an hours drive from Suva, locals have been flocking Pacific Harbour to discover what nature has to offer along with the food. Once a placed flocked by tourists it is now flooded by locals.
The Arts Village in Pacific Harbour
While at Arts Village, you can choose from Legacy, Oasis Restaurant Fiji, Water Edge, Skinny Bean or fresh juice from Mai Juice. For the Gounder family a day trip to Pacific Harbour yesterday was all they needed to relax and enjoy nature.
Arvind Gounder said the day trip was worth it because they enjoyed the lunch offered at The Pearl Resort’s Deli Restaurant.
The Pearl resort was offering Pizza lovers wood fired Pizza at its Pool Bar for $20 for any Margherita, Hawaiian and BBQ chicken pizza.
For $25, a soft drink with medium sized pizza filling of choice from Margherita, Hawaiian and BBQ chicken.
For $50, gets you a family size pizza with free fries.
Apart from the food, The Pearl Resort has been offering a June special of $129 per night at a premium room for two adults including breakfast.
Family rooms are available for $230 per night. These specials also entail free late checkout, free non-motorised water sports, free wifi and two for one food specials.
The rate are inclusive of taxes and valid for stays till June 30.
The Legacy Cafe and Health Bar
The Legacy Cafe and Health Bar business has been good because of the support from locals.
Director Sakiusa Bolaira said they have extended their opening hours on the weekends from 9am to 8pm.
“We have received tremendous support from the locals because we provide quality food which people love and the prices are pretty reasonable,” he said.
“It’s a good place to be and we a mindful of our costs to ensure that we push on. “Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but weekend we open from 9am to 8pm.
“This is enough time to get back home before the curfew hours.
“We do lovo Friday, Saturday and Sunday. “People come in to the cafe feeling relaxed and they enjoy the natural environment. “We have a good mix of people coming here from locals to expats.”
Mr Bolaira said they have had to adapt to the changes brought by COVID-19.
The restaurant opened early this year had to temporarily close because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Oasis Restaurant Fiji
Enjoy a meal at the Oasis Restaurant Fiji. It opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Owner Kevin Vine said they have specials to offer locals.
“We specialise and are known for our seafood and curries.
“At $12.50, you can choose a meal whether it’s a two-piece fish and chips, fish, beef or chicken burger with fries only, and curries.”
They have had to reduce their operating days and hours as result of the impact of COVID-19.
Skinny Bean
Like Legacy and Oasis, Skinny Bean has thanked locals for their support.
For some it’s not just a good place for a coffee or a meal, they enjoy the ambience along with the friendly staff who offer good service.
Owner Nilesh Kumar said during the weekend they get a lot of locals. “With the good support from locals especially our loyal customers I have been able to open even when I closed the cafe as a result of COVID-19 precautionary measures.
“When I was closed they came and told to open, and so I have opened it again and now we do some deliveries from Pizzas, coffee etc but within
Pacific Harbour.
“We have also had to reduce our prices and offer some specials from coffees, breakfast, combo deals and that has been helping business stay afloat.”
Before Skinny Bean cafe use to open from 7am to 7pm everyday but now it opens from 7am -5pm.
The Grill and Pizza Place
The Grill and Pizza Place is one of the pizza and grilled food places owned by Arnold Chetty.
Operating at the centre of the The Arts Village in Pacific Harbour, it has had to open from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 8pm.
He said even with the slow business they are thankful that locals are still utilising their services.
At The Grill and Pizza Place food is available at reasonable prices.
Mai Juice
Owned by Mere Thaggard, Mai Juice is for those who are in to fresh juice and smoothies.
It opens from 6:30am - 5pm from Monday to Friday, while on the weekends from 7am to 5pm. Customers can choose from a variety of fruits and the friendly staff can make your juice or smoothie at an affordable price.