The newly-opened Ramesh Investment’s Food Plaza that opened its doors in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By WAISEA NASOKIA
Business confidence in Lautoka is growing as more people are investing in our second capital city now.
Lautoka’s newest restaurant officially opened its doors in the heart of the city yesterday.
The Food Plaza Restaurant is a subsidiary of Ramesh Investment which also owns the Supermarket chain – Superfoods.
Operations director, Ashniel Chand, said the investment cost about $400,000 and it was a result of months of planning.
“It took us 18 months, as we worked with the Ministry of Health and other authorities to ensure that all the criteria are met,” Mr Chand said.
The same building at Naviti Street which used to be the Superfoods Supermarket was closed for business on September 27 early this year to make way for the transition.
“It was a challenge for us as we were not able to provide good facility in terms of seating arrangements in our previous foodcourt,” Mr Chand said.
“Customers don’t need to stand in a cue waiting to be served and that is the idea. Our focus is fast customer service.”
The restaurant employs 16 staff members who work in two shifts with chances of employing more in the future.
“During this festive season, we are monitoring how busy we are and if there is need to adjust, we might increase our staff,” Mr Chand said.
The Food Plaza boasts a fully-fledged restaurant, a conference centre and even the restaurant space could be turned into a one-stop evening function – a first of its kind in the Sugar City.