Vuli Savou Takes Over Second Gloria Jean’s Franchise
For legal practitioner-cum-restaurateur, Vuli Savou, taking over the ownership and operations of the café was the result of hard work. In October 2021, she took over Gloria Jean’s Damodar City. In March, she did the same with the Thurston Street franchise.
Wednesday 01 June 2022 | 13:21
Gloria Jean’s coffee house at Thurston Street. File Photo: Kelera Sovasiga
Fijian cuisine and kava are now part of the menu and weekly activity at a global coffee shop franchise.
Gloria Jean’s Thurston Street café, in Suva, is the latest craze in that corner of the capital city.
For legal practitioner-cum-restaurateur, Vuli Savou, taking over the ownership and operations of the café was the result of hard work.
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In October 2021, she took over Gloria Jean’s Damodar City.
In March, she did the same with the Thurston Street franchise.
A First For Gloria Jean’s
Stuffed eggplants and raw fish cooked lime are some examples of the range of Fijian cuisine offered at Gloria Jean’s Thurston Street café.
“Not expensive, but not cheap either,” she said, about the prices.
“Reasonable; for everyday people.”
The biggest surprise is the kava bar that opens from 6:30pm on Fridays.
“We had VT1S here,” Ms Savou said.
“I don’t drink kava; it’s an acquired taste.
“But a friend of mine introduced the concept of serving it, while the band performed."
“It worked.”
“It’s fun; when they finish with kava, they ask for food – so I offer them a bowl of curry,” Ms Savou said.
“There isn’t much to do around here after work; the night clubs don’t do it for us at this age.”
Gloria Jean’s Thurston Street is located up a flight of stairs that opens out to an outdoor wooden decking, overlooking Gladstone Road and Loftus Street.
Vuli Savou at her Thurston Street-based Gloria Jean’s café, on May 31, 2022. Photo: Frederica Elbourne
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
