Nearest and Dearest
by
Nando's
According to Iona, it was her son who first suggested going into business together. "After working as a mail officer for 14 years I really wanted a change in direction. Shane suggested that we open a restaurant together and I thought it was a great idea so we immediately started discussing our options," she explains.
Nando's fast food franchise had an immediate appeal, she admits, with the family atmosphere and enthusiastic staff matched by the product – Portuguese style flame grilled chicken.
"We looked into a couple of other franchise options but our hearts, and our stomachs, were always with Nando's," she reveals. "My husband Chris was encouraging us to go for it too because he wanted to be fed good food at a family restaurant," she laughs.
A six week intensive training process working at a Nando's take away franchise restaurant set them up for running the day-to-day business.
"My husband Chris has a strong business background so he was able to assist us with the preparation of the application and continues to be a great support," admits Iona.
"Meanwhile Shane and I manage the restaurant on a day-to-day basis. We've found a natural working pattern where neither of us is the boss but we work together, dividing the opening andclosing shifts between us," she says. Working with the family has proved more of a help than a hindrance, says Iona. "It's the little things that make a big difference. For example, I know I can always count on Shane to cover my shift if I have a personal appointment. And we don't have to wait to discuss new ideas or admin details, we can just sit down and discuss it at home."
As the Nando's take away chicken franchise name was new to the Lynbrook area the Stevens' expected a slow build to a strong customer base but they have been pleasantly surprised."From the minute we opened the doors we have been busy," says Iona. "The locals have really embraced us."
01.10.2008
FCA Member
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Contact Nando's
453 Lygon St North,
East Brunswick
VIC 3057 Austr
Tel: 1300 905 647
Fax: 03 3984 0888
