Restaurant in running for top gong

The Cape Kitchen is one of five restaurants vying for the Hospitality award at this year’s Gippsland Business Awards.

It is also in the running for the newly created Business Agility award.

Perched on the Phillip Island clifftops overlooking the ocean, The Cape Kitchen prides itself as a “destination restaurant”, showcasing local produce, with a passion for quality Gippsland produce.

The restaurant is part of a larger vision anchored by a new hot springs development.

“We are honoured to be nominated for this award and were excited to see so many other Gippsland businesses participating in the awards too,” said Samantha from The Cape Kitchen.

In the submission, Samantha said the focus was on the challenges of the past 12-18 months.

“Out of this extraordinary situation grew an opportunity to embrace a new way of gathering and to create new experiences,” she said.

She said recognition of what they do was important.

“As a business, we have a strong affinity and commitment to the Gippsland region and to be recognised for it through the awards makes all the challenges and hard work worth it. Personally, it feels really special and heart-warming to be recognised within your own community.”

She described the nomination as a “thank you” from the local business community.

“It proves our dedication to our guests is all worth it. We couldn’t have got through the difficulties without the love and support of our loyal guests. There have been challenges, but we’re looking forward to another bumper summer season and the opening of Saltwater Hot Springs – Phillip Island next year,” she said.

Up against a field of some outstanding Gippsland restaurants, Samantha couldn’t rate The Cape Kitchen’s chances.

“I am just thrilled to have been nominated,” she said.

“All the finalists are outstanding in their own right. I think we all are worthy competition.”

Agility

Unlike the other award categories, the new Business Agility Award is one selected by the judging panel.

“Being the only restaurant in this category is humbling and very exciting for our team,” Samantha said.

“The past 18 months have brought challenges we had never faced before. There was no proven strategy for success and the only way to face the challenges was to work together to find new solutions. We had to make changes – and continue to make changes – to the way we operated.

“Out of this extraordinary situation grew an opportunity to embrace a new way of gathering and to create exciting new experiences. This way of thinking and facing challenges – being adaptable and innovative – we believe demonstrated our agility.”