news, local-news, Liv-eat, Living City, Tasmanian franchise, Devonport, firefighter
Devonport firefighter John Radunz with his partner Kaite Peden, a former disability sector administrator, already had a lot on their plate without starting a food business during a pandemic. The enterprising couple is opening the newest Tasmanian food franchise Liv-eat Healthy Eating venue. Their new cafe on the corner of Devonport’s Rooke Street mall will employ 25 staff. Kaite will work there full-time while John continues his 15-year firefighting career. He also has some prior small business experience operating a personal training venture. The cafe realises Kaite’s dream to open an eatery after working in hospitality until she was 20 before moving into administration. Kaite and John say they both share a passion for healthy eating utilising the North-West Coast’s fresh produce. With four of their five kids between them helping out they were knee-deep in boxes preparing to open in about two weeks. “We can’t wait to invite the community inside – every time we walk outside, people are asking when we open,” John said. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” Kaite said. However, John encouraged them to apply for the Devonport Liv-eat franchise. “Having seen others, I could see how good this would be in Devonport,” John said. “The menu is about fresh and healthy eating. “We’ve got hot and cold items using all locally-sourced good quality food; that’s why we wanted to do it. IN OTHER NEWS “A lot of the menu is based on offering people the convenience of our takeaway options. “People can come in and get their stuff and go; you’re not waiting around.” Kaite said their staff have been training in Burnie and Hobart. “We still want to put on a few more,” she said. John and Kaite said they were keen to start a family business in their home city as it moves ahead with the Living City urban renewal project. “Devonport is very community orientated, and we’re keen to give back to our community by creating jobs and giving people something new with fresh, healthy options,” John said. The couple said the Living City project has been positive for Devonport. “Look at what’s happened. It’s going to change the way Devonport is, and it’s only for the better,” John said. “We’re from here; our family is here, and Devonport needs something like this, which hopefully attracts more as well. It’s good to see the community embracing it, which is starting to bring more things to the mall, and it’s becoming an area.” What do you think? Have your say
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Devonport firefighter John Radunz with his partner Kaite Peden, a former disability sector administrator, already had a lot on their plate without starting a food business during a pandemic.
Family: Liv Eat cafe operators John Radunz and Kaite Peden with Hudson Radunz, Braxton Peden, Blake Radunz and Archie Peden. Picture: Eve Woodhouse
The enterprising couple is opening the newest Tasmanian food franchise Liv-eat Healthy Eating venue.
Their new cafe on the corner of Devonport’s Rooke Street mall will employ 25 staff.
Kaite will work there full-time while John continues his 15-year firefighting career.
He also has some prior small business experience operating a personal training venture.
The cafe realises Kaite’s dream to open an eatery after working in hospitality until she was 20 before moving into administration.
Opening Soon: Devonport Liv Eat cafe operators Kaite Peden and John Radunz are counting down to opening the doors in January. Picture: Eve Woodhouse.
Kaite and John say they both share a passion for healthy eating utilising the North-West Coast’s fresh produce.
With four of their five kids between them helping out they were knee-deep in boxes preparing to open in about two weeks.
“We can’t wait to invite the community inside – every time we walk outside, people are asking when we open,” John said.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” Kaite said.
However, John encouraged them to apply for the Devonport Liv-eat franchise.
“Having seen others, I could see how good this would be in Devonport,” John said.
“The menu is about fresh and healthy eating.
“We’ve got hot and cold items using all locally-sourced good quality food; that’s why we wanted to do it.
“A lot of the menu is based on offering people the convenience of our takeaway options.
“People can come in and get their stuff and go; you’re not waiting around.”
Kaite said their staff have been training in Burnie and Hobart.
“We still want to put on a few more,” she said.
John and Kaite said they were keen to start a family business in their home city as it moves ahead with the Living City urban renewal project.
“Devonport is very community orientated, and we’re keen to give back to our community by creating jobs and giving people something new with fresh, healthy options,” John said.
The couple said the Living City project has been positive for Devonport.
“Look at what’s happened. It’s going to change the way Devonport is, and it’s only for the better,” John said.
“We’re from here; our family is here, and Devonport needs something like this, which hopefully attracts more as well. It’s good to see the community embracing it, which is starting to bring more things to the mall, and it’s becoming an area.”