For Chef Philippe Garand, the recipe to success has always been simple: hard work, discipline, and unwavering consistency.
These values have guided him since he first stepped into a kitchen at just 16 years old, setting the foundation for what would become a remarkable culinary career spanning over four decades.
In 2009, the French-born chef joined the Holiday Inn Suva, where he became well-known for his exceptional food, strong work ethic, and creativity. By the time he left, he had multiplied the hotel’s food and beverage income by three times. His 15-year tenure, far longer than the typical three-to-five-year stint for chefs in major hotels, was a testament to his dedication and passion.
Opening ‘Chef Philippe’
Located at the iconic corner Des Voeux Road, his new self-named café-restaurant, Chef Philippe was born from both opportunity and vision. After years of giving his very best to hotels and restaurants, he was ready to create something of his own.
The Chef saw potential in the location: ample parking, a steady flow of nearby office workers, the sports facilities that bring regular weekly groups, and a community that was eager for good food.
For Chef Philippe, consistency is everything. “You can serve curry, pastries, anything but if the taste changes, people won’t come back,” he says. “Consistency is what makes people choose the same vendor every time.”
That philosophy is reflected in every product he serves.
Awake at 5:00 a.m., he begins each day by baking fresh pastries and by 6.00 am, the first trays of croissants, chocolate tarts, and various other pastries are already in the oven. He bakes in small batches throughout the day, ensuring everything remains fresh. But at 2:00 p.m. sharp, the baking stops. Nothing is done in excess; everything is intentional.
Since opening in April, the restaurant’s clientele has grown steadily, supported by loyal customers but also significantly boosted by Business Link Pacific (BLP) assistance delivered through Business Assistance Fiji.
Thanks to BLP’s subsidies, the cost of advisory services from BLP approved advisor Pacific Islands Online Solutions was made more affordable for Chef Philippe. Expert advice from the Pacific Online Solutions team led by consultant Tasneem Hussein included:
- A digital marketing strategy
- Brand guidelines
- Social media & Google profiles setup
- Professional photography & videography for several months of content
- Website enhancements
- Three months of high-frequency social media management, including campaign planning, content creation, posting, and reporting.
The impact was immediate and powerful.
According to his wife, Noellie Garand, booking increased substantially after investing in media and marketing and these days, up to 80 % of these bookings are from social media.
“Today, 60, 70 sometimes 80% of our bookings come directly from our website and social media platforms, a transformation that has significantly increased visibility and customer traffic. It has definitely boosted our business,” she said.
‘Most of the time because we are still starting, I don’t have the time to do continuous updates and videos but thanks to our social media marketing advisor, website and social media updates can continue. Ms. Hussein does regular updating on the website, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Google,” Noellie explained.
“And what is even better, our social media marketing advisor is now teaching me as well how to do the updates, ensuring the sustainability of this collaboration,” Noellie said.
From a teenager learning the basics of kitchen life, to a respected chef known across Fiji, Chef Philippe’s story is one of resilience, passion, and commitment to excellence.
His journey proves that success is built on hard work, consistency, and a willingness to grow while uplifting others.
But sometimes we all need a bit of help and if you wish to get assistance with your small business like Chef Phillipe, BLP can facilitate access to business advisory services, financial support or digital marketing assistance.
To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor.
If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with Business Assistance Fiji to arrange face-to-face Diagnostic.