AFTER seven years at the helm of three local venues, local Anthony Janssen, is handing ownership of restaurant Gnarabar to chef/manager Ben Bishop.
At 22 years, Anthony took on the failing Gnarabar (then Embiar) business and built it into a successful community hub.
He later won the Gnarabup Beach Café lease to open the White Elephant Beach Café, despite plans for its demolition.
His story attracted national media attention and won him a number of business awards. However, Anthony is now happy to take a step back and support a new era of industry professionals.
“I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 15 years and have been really lucky to have had some great mentors along the way,” he said.
“The success of Gnarabar showed me that anything is possible with motivation, commitment and the willingness to learn. It has been my dream to give other young people the opportunity to do the same.
“Ben is a great example of my plan coming to fruition and what can be achieved. He started working at Gnarabar as an apprentice chef at the age of 19 and will now be running the show as a sole operator.
“It’s going to be really great to watch him evolve the business. However, there’s a bigger picture at play where the next generation are empowered to improve industry standards. I truly believe Ben is the man for the job.”
Anthony is also looking to announce a partner to help grow his newest townsite venture, Morries Anytime.
He is keen to focus on development plans for the White Elephant Beach Café, enjoy his young family and taking a more business development role in his remaining two businesses.
“There really are some talented people out there just waiting to be given the right opportunity,” he said.
“It’s going to be sad to walk away from Gnarabar, however, it’s the outcome I have been working towards for years.”
Settlement of the Gnarabar took place late last month.
