Coffee Hub honours top staff

Unaisi Wainikiti has won the overall Manager of the Year award at The Coffee Hub Fiji Team Awards.

The Vadravadra, Ba, native was recognised for her outstanding contributions and achievements alongside team members from outlets across the country.

“I am overwhelmed to receive this award, but I just kept doing my part, and it got recognised,” she said.

The former Khalsa College student said staff who continue to give their best efforts would eventually be rewarded.

The 48-year-old mother of one began her career in the food and beverage industry in 2004 at Sonaisali Island Beach Resort, now Hilton DoubleTree.

She later joined the pre-opening team at Radisson Blu Resort in 2007.

Ms Wainikiti joined The Coffee Hub Fiji in September 2022 and was appointed to a senior management role on December 8, 2023.

As part of the awards, she was among three outstanding team members recognised with return travel tickets to Australia. The others were Iftikar Gani and Rejieli Camaira, who will travel with founder and managing director Shakil Zoro Bhamji.

“This special initiative reflects The Coffee Hub’s commitment to rewarding dedication and providing team members with opportunities for exposure and growth,” she said.

Mr Bhamji reflected on the company’s journey and the role of its employees in driving success.

“What began as a simple idea has grown into something far greater, thanks to each of you. From a team of just three to more than 170 strong, this journey has been shaped by hard work, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment,” he said.

He said the company’s success was driven by its people and encouraged staff to continue striving for excellence.

“Together, we can continue building The Coffee Hub as a leading brand in Fiji,” Mr Bhamji said.

The Coffee Hub Fiji says it is looking forward to continued growth in 2026, with a focus on team development, service excellence and strengthening its presence across the country.

Other major award recipients included:

• Asesela Rokovuralevu — Outstanding Employee of the Year
• Ba Outlet — Best Outlet of the Year
• John Monday — Manager of the Year (Front of House)
• Ronald Deo — Manager of the Year (Heart of House)
• Emele Rokodinadina — Leader of the Year
• Taahirah Ali — Rising Star
• Mohammed Shahin Shahid — Bulannaire Award/social media recognition

Long-serving team members recognised included head pastry chef Iftikar Gani, demi chef Shahil, head baker Imran Ali, chef de partie Rejieli Camaira and facilities supervisor Bir Khan.