It was back in 2008 when by chance encounter, Jill Innes-Irons had an epiphany, one of those eureka moments when everything comes together that would set a path for the future.
Husband and wife team, Min and Jill Innes-Irons had been running Bohjass, their restaurant and wine bar in Shepparton and they needed to replenish some of their supplies. In doing so, Jill was informed that the supplier was closing shop even though it was running quite well.
The idea was instant. She returned to the restaurant and said to Min, “We need to have coffee, I have an idea.”
Jill and Min went over the idea. They researched and talked to people including the staff at their former supplier who were looking for options at the time and together, they mapped out a plan.
They would start from fresh. Four of the supplier’s staff agreed to come on board with the new venture which gave them access to their knowledge of the industry and potential clients.
Premises were rented and supply contracts were negotiated.
Min recalls the first pallet load of catering supplies to their new outlet in Benalla Road. The driver nonchalantly advised that the other ten pallets were going to their competition.
It was a beginning.
The staff that joined them were able to bring across clients. They were busy days. Working the outlet and building the business during the day and helping out with the restaurant at night. But they were to grow. Knowing from first-hand experience what was needed in the way of service and support, they quickly built the business. After four years, they had outgrown the Benalla Road building and expanded into 41 Archer Street, doubling the space and taking the staff to 13 over the next few years.
But the growth has not stopped. It became time to move again, doubling the space and moving the unseen stock out of the warehouse into the front of house.
Their new location in 76 – 80 Stewart St, Shepparton, behind GOTAFE is closer to the CBD, it is close to twice the size and gave them a chance to make the client experience more connected. All the stock is now on display, open to commercial and retail clients alike. A place where they can see the products, feel them and decide the best course and design for their own hospitality business.
They are IN HOSPITALITY because their clients are in hospitality.
