By CASEY NEILL
“GINGER Jones is what revitalising central Dandenong was all about.”
Awards chairman James Sturgess cannot speak highly enough of the Lonsdale Street eatery, which opened in November 2012 following major renovations.
Owner Rob Jones and wife Leah also impressed the Premier Regional Business Awards judges – so much so, they invented a new award to recognise their achievement.
Mr Jones was humbled to take home the Next Leaders Award, thanked the people of Dandenong for contributing to his success and his wife for supporting him every day.
“She’s very much the backbone of what we do,” he said.
Mr Jones was a little nervous on stage last Wednesday night, particularly after Mr Stugess pointed out his new outfit, haircut and freshly-shaven face.
“I reckon you expect to win an award!” he said.
Mr Jones replied: “I’m used to having smaller audiences and a few more props.”
He’s worked in hospitality for more than 20 years and decided “Dandenong deserved a slice of the city”.
His in-laws owned a shop they needed to renovate, and he was looking to open a business.
“The timing was perfect,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Sturgess said little expense was spared in ensuring the venue met or exceeded the Joneses’ conceptual ideas.
Their aim was to run a modern café serving classy food and brilliant coffee and see the city trend of people dropping in for coffee and brekky before work migrate to Dandenong.
“With 50,000 people coming to Dandenong every day he only needs a small slice of those people… to make this project a roaring success,” Mr Sturgess said.
Ginger Jones is also available for functions and uses meat, bread and fruits and vegies from fellow Dandenong businesses.
“I’m doing it because it’s the best in the area, and I want to support local businesses as much as I can,” Mr Jones said.
He’s on the floor to ensure every customer gets the service they expect, and word of mouth is spreading.
“In a good week the business can take up to $10,000,” Mr Sturgess said.
Ginger Jones was also a nominee for the Small Business, Retail, Service Excellence and Premier Regional Business awards.
