Brisbane food-lovers looking for a taste of Italy don’t have to look further than Loria Continental Delicatessen in Chermside West.
The delicatessen prides itself on old-fashioned style and to bringing ethnicity to Brisbane’s small business-scape which will have you dreaming about Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Loria Continental Owner Silva Piotto is cooking up a storm with her homemade pastas, sauces, and marinated antipasto staples.
Their reputation of bringing customers a true taste of Italy, recently saw the business recognised as one of 52 recipients of the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant.
Silva’s grant was part of the grant’s prize pool of $250,000 to help women business owners grow and develop their companies. More than 80 per cent of the grant recipients were businesses wholly owned by women like Silva.
“I was very proud, honoured and surprised to receive the grant [which we used] to upgrade equipment in the shop with things like pasta machines,” she said.
The gourmet connoisseur serves up dishes inspired by her northern Italian origins with recipes being handed down by her mother, including a house specialty seasonal sand crab lasagne plus prawn and salmon ravioli.
“We also make our own cannelloni, pizzas and supply other stores and clubs,” she said.
“I manage with one other lady and my grandkids coming in to help.
“I’m always experimenting by trying to make new products and expand the business.”
Tips to create a successful small business
Silva’s shared some tips after successfully running her own business for more than 13 years to help set them in good stead for success.
“Set yourself up in a good position, see what the customer-base is like in your area because they are the most important things you can have,” she shared.
“Be very patient, listen to your customers, and know your products inside out.
“I find the banking sector a challenge so be on top of that.
“Also, do your homework.”
Silva says she has only just become part of the supply chain in Brisbane.
“It’s an area of expansion we’ll be looking at in the future, in particular wholesaling,” she said.
“Right now, we supply the Greek Club and a food and vegie store in Kenmore but that will grow.”
Find out more about the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant.