In Nadi, the name Zoro is synonymous with The Coffee Hub – a high-end popular hotspot on Nadi’s back Road.
Since he opened his first coffee shop in 2019, Zoro, as he prefers to be called, has opened cafes in Lautoka and Ba.
This week, Zoro, the managing director of The Coffee Hub who was born Shakil Zoro Bhamji, hosted an awards ceremony in recognition of his employees’ efforts.
Fiji Excellence Tourism Awards (FETA) Board of Trustees Chairperson, Debra Sadranu, said The Coffee Hub was a game changer.
“The Coffee Hub has raised the standard,” Ms Sadranu said during the celebrations, where she was chief guest.
“He not only created an amazing brand, but a culture.”
“A culture of coffee and café in Fiji has not been seen before.”
“During this time, I have watched his small café evolve into an incredible brand.”
Zoro’s three Coffee Hub cafes outlets employ 80 people.
Ms Sadranu praised Zoro for his confidence to launch such a service during COVID-19.
“It was the hardest time to have established a business,” she said.
“He created employment when businesses were closing, and sending staff home.”
Zoro created a brand, culture and employment, Ms Sadranu said.
“We started with 20 staff in 2019, and now we have 83 in total at our three cafes,” he said.
Noleen Naidu with her award, The Coffee Cafe/Hub Shakil Zoro Bhamji, and FETA Board of Trustee Chair Debra Sadranu during the awards at Naisoso Island. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
The awards
Noreen Naidu, 35, took the manager of the year award, during The Coffee Hub Fiji inaugural staff awards 2022.
She joined the culinary industry in 2011 and has learnt on the job.
Ms Naidu joined The Coffee Hub in May, 2020, and rose through the ranks to take up the manager’s position at the Nadi café in 2021.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj