$800k investment
CROSSLINK Investments Fiji Ltd has ventured out into a new Grills Restaurant and Bar business with an investment of $800,000.
The restaurant is owned by M Bhagwan, Tropical Garments Fiji and Tech360 Fiji directors, Bhupendra Kumar and his sons, Vimal Kumar and Divesh Kumar.
Grills Restaurant and Bar plans to serve its patrons a mixture of Mexican, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine according to Divesh Kumar, with healthy and fresh ingredients, 99 per cent of which would be locally bought.
“From humble beginnings with a history of over 50 years in the commercial industry, the directors have accumulated a strong business background, which has helped greatly in the fruition of Crosslink Investments Fiji Ltd, through which Grills Restaurant and Bar now exists.
“We have employed 25 staff — all of whom had lost their livelihood because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These staff all come from different work backgrounds. Some were employed by hotels and restaurants while others were employed by construction companies as well as supermarkets,” he said.
The restaurant and bar is split into two levels, with the ground floor including the restaurant part of the establishment and being strictly family-oriented.
“In other words, it will be the ‘non-alcoholic floor,” said Mr Kumar.
“Further to that, our restaurant will be all-inclusive, open to patrons from all walks of life, religion or faith.
“The bar is located on the first floor and we are thrilled to declare that it will be a local artist themed museum displaying local artist art and paraphernalia.
“In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji, Crosslink Investments Fiji Ltd has embarked on this endeavour that we hope will not only contribute towards the betterment of the individuals we have employed but also the Fiji economy as a whole,” he said.
Vimal Kumar who is also one of the owners, said they were grateful to the government for its support to their clients and partners who had helped grow this business.
“Our unwavering support especially through these challenging times has allowed us to literally not put all our eggs in one basket as we venture into cuisine and dining.
“This restaurant however is one that is here to stay, it is a family and disability friendly space that caters to all classes in our society.
“And we encourage you to bring your families and workmates, friends and host your parties with us.”
Mr Kumar said they boasted a professional team of experienced chef, dining room service personnel and bartenders with a combined experience of 20 years in this industry.
The restaurant is ideally located in the main area linking major sporting activities, USP, entertainment facilities such as Fiji Sports Council, offices and residents.
Mr Kumar added the restaurant would also be serving healthy cuisine at a reasonable price.
He said COVID-19 restrictions would be observed on the premises from storage, meal preps, cleaning services areas and common spaces as well as making sure the highest level of hygiene was practised at all times.
“In terms of corporate responsibility this business will be partnering with local suppliers, local farmers, local vendors.
“In essence we believe that growing Fiji we need to grow locally.”
The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said many people at this point at time given what was happening and had happened because of COVID-19 were hesitant about investing into new areas and into new ventures.
“And as we have said previously in the past couple of months that those people that are going to actually invest now, whether they are investing in a warehouse or pre-positioning themselves once the borders open up, they would actually be in a much better position than others who actually try and react to when the borders actually open.
“And I think it is a very smart move on your part to be able to brand yourselves now and to be able to make this investment now.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum hoped others would get inspired by the restaurant owners in terms of the investment they have made.
“I think you also made an important point that you want to buy locally, I think a lot of ingredients obviously can be bought locally but to be able to partner with local suppliers, I think it’s critically important because you have this supply chain it's very important also many people miss out on that.
“It also positions you well with your client base as people nowadays would like to know where the food came from.”
He also went on to praise the owners for hiring the staff who had become unemployed because of COVID-19 to which he said was a remarkable achievement.