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Gourmet burgers, skin treatments and petrol may not have a lot in common, except for the new owner of the Gull Snells Beach C-Store on Mahurangi East Road, Kishan Nathani.
These are all businesses owned by the 29-year-old, who is also branching out into property development. It seems a silly question to ask him if he has time for any recreational pursuits.
“Not really, although I do like cricket,” he admits.
Kishan took over the Snells Beach business early last month. He said he was attracted to the business by its location, its potential and the fact that it did not have a lot of competition. He has come a long way since arriving from India 11 years ago to study business and then architecture.
“Business is really my passion,” he says.
He opened Gourmet Burgers and Brew Kitchen in Auckland’s CBD four years ago and, like the rest of the hospitality industry, struggled through the covid years. He says although things are improving, sales are still down 20-30% on pre-covid levels.
His other business was the Lasertech Cosmetic Clinic, also in the CBD, which specialises in skin treatments.
One of the biggest challenges he has faced in both businesses is getting staff and, as a result, he has learned to fill in where needed. This means that not only can he cook, but he is a qualified laser operator and he can pump gas.
Kishan says he is looking forward to getting to know the Mahurangi East community and welcomes feedback from customers on how he can meet their needs. He already has plans to expand the shop area and stock a greater range of bait and fishing gear, automotive products, fruit and vegetables, and other convenience goods in the station.
