Karen and Kevin from LaVida Bar & Restaurant were referred to Gary Wheatstone from The Department of Industry Business Connect program by Lismore Council. They had been unsuccessful with their application for a Flood Recovery Grant. Additionally, they had suffered a significant downturn in trade owing to six weeks of roadworks impacting customer’s ability to park close by and gain easy access to their establishment. They were working through staffing issues and a new project to launch a live music venue .

Gary Wheatstone, NORTEC Business Connect advisor, firstly addressed profitability by looking at detailed costings of COGS, wastage, kitchen efficiencies and expenses culminating in price reviews for the menu.    Staff training was also discussed with delegation of responsibilities, training schedule and Code of Conduct.   The Music Venue was opened 1st June to a packed house with great feedback and revues from patrons.    An Operations Manual and continuing improvements to online presence is still in progress.

A new LaVida website has been built with the ability to book specific tables in the venue. Improvements continue to be made.