Never give up or lose heart, says former hotel chef
It is never the end of the road, says a former hotel chef. Vimal Mani, 40, worked for Plantation Island Resort for 15 years. The Malau, Rakiraki resident said he started as a kitchen hand to then baker and before he was let off, he was a chef. Mr Mani lost his job early this year because of the impacts of COVID-19.
“After they laid me off, they called me a few times to work for a few days a month,” the father- of- one child said. “That was not enough because I have my parents, son and wife to look after.”
Mr Mani and his cousin Rahul Chetty, invested more than $ 20,000 to open their new restaurant in the middle of Rakiraki Town.
Treat Yourself Restaurant has already provided employment to the locals.
He said he struggled to look for work and understands how hard it was to get help.
Meanwhile, with several other restaurants in the area Mr Mani said he was trying to up the game and lift the standards for Rakiraki.
“I want the people of Rakiraki to be as exposed as those from bigger towns,” he said with a smile.
“Last week, I made pasta and some customers asked what it was.”
This has boosted him to doing more and better, he said to expect a wider range in the menu soon.
“If you hit the end of the road, never give up or lose heart. There is always something greater yet to happen.” The restaurant opens from 8am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, it closes on Sundays.
It is located at the old Rakiraki National Fire Authority building.