Local businessman expands operations

By Ilia L. Likou 20 September 2017, 12:00AM

A young businessman is expanding his horizons with the opening of his newest venture at Mulifanua yesterday.

Thirty-four-year-old Alovao Mafua welcomed members of the public to his “M&S Restaurant” set up to cater for members of the public travelling to Savai’i and the west side of Upolu.

The restaurant is an addition to his other businesses which includes a car wash, a rental, tents hire and a shop. He’s always wanted to open a restaurant but first he had to see if there was a need for it. Having done his homework, he is confident the business will continue to grow.

He admits that it has been a tough journey.

“My family had a rough start but through hard work and prayers, that is how we have been able to keep going,” he said.

Alovao was based in American Samoa until he and his wife decided to return to Mulifanua to start afresh.

He started with a small village store, with his wife and three children helping him to run it. A few years later, the business continues to thrive.

“The opening of this small restaurant is another service we are providing for our people,” he said.

“We not only cater for locals, we also cater for tourists. We all know some of the tourists want to have a taste of the local restaurants so I’m confident this restaurant will cater for them.”

But this is not the end.

The businessman is looking at building rental houses in the area.

 “That’s the next step now,” he said. “But I need to work on this first, to see what will come about from it.

“Being one of the local businesses in the country (at this time) among tough competition from foreigners is very hard.

“But I wanted to push myself and continue to look at ways to build up this business. We started from nothing but I thank God for all the strength because we continue to move forward.”

Alovao’s restaurant opens seven days a week. From Monday to Friday at 8am to 10pm and for the weekends from 8am to 11pm.

The Restaurant’s name is made up of the initials of his parents names, Mafua and Stella.

By Ilia L. Likou 20 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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