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Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet
BUSINESS MINDS
Julie-Ann
BOOTH THE CENTREPOINT CAFÉ
THE CENTREPOINT ARCADE HAS BECOME A TRUE LINK IN THE REVITALISED TAREE CBD LANDSCAPE. HAVING GONE THROUGH SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RECENT YEARS, IT NOW EMBODIES THE DIRECTION THE MIDCOAST TOWN IS TAKING IN CREATING PLACES TO STOP, SHOP AND ENJOY, ALL WITHIN EASY REACH OF OUR GREATEST ASSET - THE MIGHTY MANNING RIVER.
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ulie-Ann Booth took the long way around to end up owning Centrepoint Café, but is helping in the revitalisation process. Sipping a Doppio coffee together, I started by asking Julie-Ann where the chef career started. Actually, my very first time stepping into a commercial kitchen was work experience in Year 10 at the Taree RSL, when it was on the Riverbank! A long time ago! I was always reading food magazines, cooking books, bouncing ideas off colleagues, talking to producers to create new menu ideas. I made up my mind at the very beginning of my career that I wanted to work in a 5 Star Hotel in Sydney. I was fortunate enough to be offered an apprenticeship at the Sheraton-Wentworth Hotel, and I loved every single moment of it. It was then off to the Belfry Dining Club in Knightsbridge, London. I became a Personal Chef to billionaires and corporates. I cooked on super yachts, mansions, castles, in paddocks etc. it was all a bit surreal and something that just happened! I’ve always wanted to do my best at whatever I do; whether or not I am the best doesn’t matter. I love making the impossible possible, I like diversity in whatever do; I like to think laterally when doing things.
I’m pretty determined and don’t like taking no for an answer, which is how I got some of the above gigs. So, a career in the food industry was always on your plate - so to speak. Yes, it was. But I didn’t want to work anywhere; it had to be in the best places, so I could learn from the best of the best. I was an average student at school, quite social sometimes too much! Whatever I do, it has to be fun! If I don’t have a laugh every day - preferably a belly laugh - no matter what I am doin,g then it isn’t worth doing. I love learning, staying healthy, playing sport, going to bands. My early years were struck with tragedy, when my father was killed in a motor vehicle accident. In some ways that’s how I’ve developed a lot of my philosophies and perspectives. Life is too short not to be lived well. Who inspired you growing up, and do you still take inspiration from certain people? Marco Pierre-White. Watching his cooking shows when I was young, I saw his passion and drive for excellence with food. I decided I wanted to be like that. It inspired me to go and work in the best restaurants in London. I approached him for a job when I got to London, only to be told: “(Expletive) - go away. I don’t hire women!” I’m still inspired by my previous boss, Frank Lowy. His generosity and philanthropy is
incredible, both in Australia and overseas. Anne Sherry - Anne is a quiet achiever, but what she has done for the Indigenous people in Far North Qld and the community in general is truly to be admired. I guess I’m inspred by both of their natural compulsions to give back to local communities and willingness to mentor the next generations. Centrepoint Café and the arcade in general has become a real hub for locals. What do you put this down to? Locals starting to support small businesses more and more in general. Since all of us in the arcade are owner operated, we’re able to put our own stamp on things, which keeps a uniqueness alive. We have had a lot of great feedback since the arcade was revamped, so customers love coming into it more now. Having worked overseas, what is it you bring to Centrepoint that the locals can enjoy? Professionalism and attention to detail in everything we do, while still being personable with our wonderful customers. The YES, we can do that attitude, then figuring how we are going to pull something off. With a vast selection of cafés and coffee shops in the area, what is it you promote that makes you stand out from the crowd? We use fresh local produce, are big into sustainability with the products we use, food
scraps and coffee grounds go to the local Community Garden. We have listened to our customers and are now serving healthier options that incorporate gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose free milk. All of our staff go through thorough training, and it’s very strict training - anyone is allowed on the coffee machine to make customers’ coffee. Definitely friendly customer service. Away from the kitchen, where is your favourite local haunt and pastime? I love the atmosphere and eating at Mansfield on the Manning and chilling out to live music at local venues. As for a pastime, you can’t go past our beaches, of course. For you, what is the best part about being in business in the Manning-Great Lakes? That’s easy; it’s being immersed in the relaxed lifestyle that comes with living here. De-stressing at the beach, rainforests and in the lush countryside makes working life so much more worthwhile. The majority of businesses in the area are owner operated and it’s easy to get to know everyone, so it’s more of a family feel compared to the city. It’s a good support network and when you need advice or help, there is always someone you can call. Thanks for the coffee, Julie-Ann. Manning-Great Lakes focus 55