NewLife Cycles and Enelssie Café and Grill
Local entrepreneur Anthony Herrera has had some big changes in his life, migrating to Australia and then opening not one but two businesses.
But this quiet achiever is fine example of hard work and keeping the faith.
Born in the Phillipines, Anthony sought opportunities in IT with a goal of making his way to Australia.
Moving to Melbourne in 2013 with his wife, Anthony worked with a range of companies in IT, however illness struck and he lost his job. With an interest in cycles, Anthony opened up a bike and repair shop and continued to look for work to support his family.
Out to buy lunch one day, Anthony popped into a local mini-mart.
“As soon as I got there the owner told me he had been trying to contact me for days. He was selling his business, and wanted me to know. But it had been the 10th day of trying to reach me to no avail, and he already had a few buyers,” Anthony says.
“I still can’t believe how I was able to raise the funds but God provided and used people as an instrument to bless us, and we were able to take ownership of the business.”
The new premises offered a new home for the bike shop, but Anthony had plans. He began investigating how to open a Filipino café from the same venue.
Anthony received support through the Venture Melton mentoring program, as well as working with Council to get a permit to operate a café. Specialising in traditional Filipino cuisine, Enelssie Café and Grill was launched on Easter Monday 2019.
“Before Covid-19, the restaurant was so popular I was thinking of closing the bike shop. But then the lockdown happened. The café had to shut down. It was the bike shop that helped with rent and the bills.”
Situated in Tenterfield Drive, Burnside Heights, NewLife Cycles and Enelssie Café and Grill operate side by side, offering an honest and welcoming experience whether you are looking for bike sales and repairs or a delicious Filipino meal.
Anthony’s story shows that having a range of skills and diversified business channels is a great way to ensure ongoing success.
To learn more about Anthony’s businesses, head to New Life Cycles and Enelssie Café and Grill
Susan Beniston
Visitor Servicing & Development Officer