New Kosher Café in Melbourne
Spot On, A new kosher café in Melbourne, has opened its doors to over 600 customers with the help of Jewish Care’s Jump Start Interest Free Loans Program.
Café owner Izzy Abrahams with Doron Abramovici, Jewish Care
Serving a delicious breakfast, coffee and a great array of sandwiches and desserts, this trendy cafe is indeed spotted in a perfect location on Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea.
Café owner, Izzy Abrahams, 24, previously worked in an audio-visual company in Port Melbourne which indirectly inspired his passion for food and hospitality.
“I was involved in lighting and sound setup for hotels in the city, and that’s where I met many chefs and started to appreciate the catering industry,” said Izzy. “Then I thought, why can’t I do the same? So I purchased some recipe books and started experimenting. I was only 21 at the time.”
As Izzy’s cooking skills improved, he started his first business, Passionate Cupcakes, distributing desserts to local kosher groceries. However, Izzy still dreamed of something bigger, and six months ago an opportunity presented to purchase a café on Glen Eira Rd.
“I wasn’t afraid to try new things; it’s the only way to learn. I saw the potential to grow my business but I didn’t have the capital or an ability to borrow at commercial rates,” said Izzy. “A friend of mine mentioned Jewish Care’s interest free loans which helped him with his own venture.”
Jewish Care’s Mutual Loans Company funded the purchase of the business and provided the working capital, with the user friendly loan application and approval process taking less than four weeks.
Doron Abramovici, Financial Support Program Team Leader said, “After five months of hard work to get the business set up and two months of renovations, I take great pride in seeing Spot On launched with hundreds of customers on its first day of operation.”
“It’s been extremely busy; I hardly have time to catch my breath. But I am glad to feel community support. Clearly, I wouldn’t be able to achieve these results without Jewish Care’s help,” said Izzy.
Dr John Serry, Jewish Mutual Loans Company Chairman stated that a proud Jewish tradition of interest free loans is alive and well at Jewish Care. “This service offers individuals like Mr Abrahams a chance to reach their personal and financial goals quicker. Our community has great potential and it’s our honour to help people help themselves.”
Jewish Care’s Jump Start Interest Free Loans assist community members with medical costs, business development, auxiliary educational expenses, home renovations, simchas, debt consolidation, car finance and white good purchases.
Money is lent without charging interest, but with the expectation that every loan will be repaid in one to three years, based on the loan amount and repayment schedule.
