Raiwaqa Bakery Nasese branch has closed after seven years of operation in the area.

Raiwaqa Bakery Limited managing director, Atela Yee, said the reason for the closure was to allow the new owners to carry out works for the next 12 months, after the landlord sold the property.

Ms Yee said they have found a shop space on the main road in Lami Town (Marine Drive) and would have distributors for their products at certain locations.

Return As Tenants

She said they were having discussions with the new property owners to return as tenants once renovations was completed.

“Currently we have been running short of staff at our Nausori Branch,” Ms Yee said.

“The staff from Nasese will be transferred to either our Lami factory or shop, and those living around the Nasinu area will be transferred to our Nausori branch to work at the bakery and at our Coffee shop (Coffee Shotz).”

“I do the morning delivery at 4am for Fiji Navy supply, so as not to hire someone new, at the same time be at work early to organise the teams for productivity as we are short staffed, limiting opening hours at our coffee shop in Nausori.”

Background

Raiwaqa Bakery is a retail busi ness that started in 1999, with two outlets, one in Nausori and the other soon to open in Lami. The bakery opens 24/7 with products ranging from traditional white bread to health breads, savory pastries, and cakes of all types.

The bakery employs 80 people, eight of whom are from the Yellow Ribbon Employment programme.

“We surely will miss our Nasese customers; a special thank you to our cute young customer who sent us a handwritten farewell card,” she said.

“We look forward to serving Lami and any new distribution locations that we will partner with in the future.”

Story by: Laisa Lui

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