Erin successds in her Quest

More often than not it’s the people working behind the scenes that make a great business great.  

So winning a Victoria-wide “back of house” award last month was particularly pleasing for Erin Hibberd, 24, of Quest Docklands.

And what made the award even sweeter was that Erin was last year’s runner-up in the “Outstanding Contribution to Back of House” category at the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (HMAA) Victorian Award for Excellence.

Erin is assistant manager at the Bourke St serviced apartment franchise.  Her father, Michael, has owned the business for the past four years.

“We are extremely proud of Erin and our win. This prize recognises not just Quest Docklands’ dedication to providing guests with outstanding service experiences, but also the strength of the Docklands as a business hub,” Mr Hibberd said.

Erin said she was “really excited” about the win which has given her more confidence in her chosen career.

Her ambition is to own and run her own property.  

She admitted that remaining pleasant and professional when guests may have had a bad day and were inclined to vent was not a career for everyone.

“You have to be a people person,” she said.

More accolades for Altantic

Atlantic Group [v] has been announced the national Wedding Caterer of the Year and then was awarded the ultimate prize, the overall Australian Caterer of the Year, in the recent Restaurant and Catering Association National Awards for Excellence.

Atlantic Group [v] triumphed over a respected and established who’s who of caterers and prestigious venue operators across Australia to win at the awards ceremony held on October 19 in Canberra.

Altantic Managing Director, Hatem Saleh, said: “This is not only a truly amazing result, but well deserved recognition for the huge efforts we as individuals and as a company contribute to the hospitality industry and, most importantly, to our clients.”

The awards for excellence are the restaurant and catering industry’s most comprehensive and professional recognition system with entrants being judged on 55 to 66 different aspects of their business.

There's always room next door

By Alison Kinkade

Central Pier’s Italian restaurant, Va Bene, is celebrating its first birthday with the opening of a new dining room named Next Door.

The pizzeria has dedicated a wall in its new room to the iconic landmarks of Docklands.

Featuring a mural showing the Bolte Bridge, Southern Star Observation Wheel and John Kelly’s Cow up a Tree sculpture, part-owner Anthony Jay believes the wall conveys the restaurant’s enthusiasm for the community.

The restaurant, which is popular with Docklands workers, is also renovating its website to feature a pre-order section where customers can order their lunch before arriving at the restaurant.  Mr Jay believes this concept will be popular with time-poor workers.

Communal dining at Va Bene is also a highlight and adds to the charm of the pizzeria. “In Europe sitting and eating together is one of the most important things. So this whole concept has grown out of my experiences growing up. We wanted to bring a very authentic feel to it and we like the idea of everyone bunching up and enjoying themselves,” Mr Jay said.

Featuring an extensive pizza and pasta menu with all meals made on premises, including the bread, Va Bene will not disappoint.

Main meals range from $16-$22 and delivery within the Docklands area is free.

Va Bene will celebrate its birthday on December 5, with the official opening of Next Door taking place early next year.