Toast Café Pambula is thrilled to have been recognised in the Far South Coast 2021 Business Awards, taking out the Outstanding Start Up Business award.
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Co-owner Nicky Austin said winning the award was very meaningful for her and partner Ollie Pitcher, and the entire team at Toast.
"It means a lot to us, seeing the day-to-day culture of the café reflected in the business, it's definitely gratifying," Nicky said.
Having opened the business in September 2019 just before the Black Summer bushfire season, Nicky said it was particularly rewarding after the immensely difficult two-year period.
"We have worked really hard with specific outcomes in mind, it's pretty crazy and we are still surprised on a daily basis how far we have come," she said.
"Even though we have had this stop-start situation we have been able to pivot and try new things, with the support of our community and our fantastic staff."
Described by Nicky as "our front of house genius", employee Renna Shimomura was awarded Outstanding Employee for the region.
"If you know her, you know she deserves it," Nicky said.
"That's the proudest moment for me in the context of these awards, because we are always looking for ways we can show our staff how grateful we are and how they have been essential in building us to where we are today.
"Renna started as a hospitality trainee when she was 15 years old, I am just so pleased to see her acknowledged in this way."
Florabel Cafe in Eden was also chosen as a finalist for the Outstanding Start Up Business category and owner Sheri McEvoy said management had worked tirelessly since opening the doors of the cafe component of the developing retail business.
"The staff reflect the character and resilience of a community who have bounced back bravely after the massive challenges this year," Sheri said.
Florabel was the the only business exclusive to Eden to be chosen as a finalist.
Wyndham-based business Saarinen Organics was a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category, recognised as a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices, working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.
Campbell Page Employment won the Outstanding Community Organisation Award, recognised as an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural or environmental wellbeing of the community.
"We also wish to congratulate Toast in Pambula in their award, and look forward to an exciting year ahead," Sheri said.
"We look forward to serving locals and travellers alike and being a part of the new tourist environment."
Sheri said the Florabel team in 2021 has also included architect Belinda Smith from SMT Studio as well as local tradesmen who have worked hard on completing the Florabel building on Imlay Street, expected to open fully to the public by January 2022, with exciting Australian made products as well as high teas.
"We look forward to adding interest to the unique and dynamic Eden landscape," she said.
Florabel Cafe is located at 195 Imlay Street, Eden. Bookings can be made by calling: 0439 511 544.
Toast Pambula is located at 3/25 Quondola St, Pambula and can be contacted on: 0480 170 648.
Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
