Investment exceeding half a million dollars has been injected into the newly refurbished Hot Bread Kitchen (HBK) bakery in Sigatoka. This marks the bakery’s official return to the area following a closure for renovations that began in 2021, according to HBK Group managing director Vanessa Charters.
Charters noted that the bakery is back in its original location but boasts a larger space and employs up to thirty local residents. “This bakery is an invaluable asset for the people of Nadroga and Navosa and is anticipated to foster prosperity for the community well into the next century,” she stated.
The bakery had a soft opening in mid-January, coinciding with the time just before recent flooding. Charters expressed relief that the floodwaters did not affect the establishment, adding that measures have been implemented to protect it from future natural disasters. “The renovations are a long-term investment, built to withstand the test of time,” she emphasized.
The investment covers not just the physical renovations but also state-of-the-art equipment. Charters revealed that HBK now possibly operates one of the most advanced ventilation systems in Fiji, with custom-built Japanese-designed ventilation fans ensuring comfort for those outside.
Furthermore, she credited the successful reopening to the support from both their landlord and the Sigatoka Town Council, praising the council’s proactive approach, which Charters believes could be a model for other town councils across the country. She mentioned plans for the reopening of their Samabula branch in Suva, which was initially one of the earliest Hot Bread Kitchen locations in the capital.
This reopening represents not only the revival of a beloved local business but also symbolizes hope for ongoing economic growth in the region. The investment into the bakery not only enhances local employment opportunities but also aims to meet the community’s needs with quality baked goods, contributing positively towards the socioeconomic landscape of Nadroga and Navosa.
In conclusion, such community-focused investments highlight the importance of local businesses in driving growth and stability, and there is an optimistic outlook for the increased prosperity in the area stemming from this newly renovated bakery in Sigatoka.
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