Business Profile: Elna Bachmann
- What is the name of your business and what is your role? Pasha’s Restaurant, 37 Newport Ave, Glenashley, Durban North – I am co-owner with my husband, Robbie. I am involved in the everyday management and development of Speciality Menu Items of Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, Banting and Keto friendly menu items.
- Describe your business in two sentences. Pasha’s is a warm, friendly, community based, mainly pizza – pasta restaurant. Pasha’s is the cosy restaurant with the Big Menu, there is something for everyone!
- How long have you been in business? In restaurant business, since 1989, at Pasha’s since 2017
- How did you get into this business? I studied B.Sc Nutrition and then married a Swiss Restauranteur. We owned several Restaurants over the years, Pasha’s is our passion till retirement.
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge – one always thinks of the last challenge as the biggest… my son with his injuries encountered during birth, probably the biggest emotional challenge and then Covid Lockdown, the biggest financial challenge. How did I overcome it? Focus not to be overwhelmed: with Ryan, research, study, finding solutions. It is said “stumble blocks, are opportunities” … It changed my nutrition practice to specialize in children with specific food intolerance and learning problems. COVID … I focused on daily tasks, discipline in spending, and conserving cash flow! Cashflow is vital! Know your numbers, order only the essential minimum, control recipes and portion sizes, we’re a very wasteful nation, training precision in executing orders. COVID did not only impact us financially, but mentally too, 4 employees died post-Covid, not of Covid, but due to lack of medical services – that was devastating.
- What single trait/skill could you not have succeeded without? Patience and Perseverance
- What is the best business advice you’ve received? Be Authentic and maintain a good cash flow.
- Your secret to business success is? Authentic Service delivery, listen, breathe then respond.
- What is your business goal for 2022? My goal is to improve standards in the restaurant, build a diverse customer base, expand business to Pre-Covid levels and beyond.
- Tell us one thing that not many people know about you? Stubborn Perseverance – challenge me saying it’s not possible, just accept it for what it is – Never! Where there is a Will, there is a Way!