Popular uMhlanga beachfront restaurant closes
Heartwarming messages from the community came pouring in after the restaurant announced its closure last Saturday.
IT’S the end of a 28-year era for La Spiaggia on Umhlanga Beach.
Nicole Olivier, who is a partner in the family business, and one of the many friendly faces you see at the restaurant, said the eThekwini Municipality had put out the restaurant for a retender, prompting their decision to close their doors.
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“We have 25 staff, who are our family, and thankfully, we have managed to find placements for most of them. It’s been months of calling, sending out CVs and prepping for interviews. We have four cleaners, one barista and one waitress who are yet to be placed. We’re hoping something comes up soon,” she said.
On July 27, patrons were shocked when this message was posted on the business’s Facebook page:
“They say all good things must come to an end, and so it is with our La Spiaggia journey. To all our customers, local and from afar, many of whom have become friends and ‘family’, we are eternally grateful for the support, laughter, stories and soul food … We cannot put in words how much you have come to mean to us, and we will miss you! To our amazing staff, we could not have done this without your loyalty and hard work, and we wish you all a happy, prosperous future! The memories of our experiences over the past 28 years will be with us forever. Arrivederci!” Messages of kindness and warmth from the community flooded in after the restaurant announced its closure.
Olivier said it’s been an emotional time for all at La Spiaggia as some staff have been with them for years. One of the partners and chefs is Lawrence Moya, who worked with Nicole’s dad at their restaurant in Johannesburg since 1981.
“When my dad opened La Spiaggia in uMhlanga, Lawrence came with. We are all family, and it’s been such an emotional time for us ever since we decided to close. The Facebook posts from our customers have been so heartwarming,” she said.
La Spiaggia and its partners have decided that they will not reopen the restaurant elsewhere. Their priority right now is to find employment for staff who have not been placed yet.
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