Making the shift from a food van on the weekend market circuit to a busy shop front in Bega is the result of a labour of love for Wassim Hayfa.
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Mr Hayfa is just as well known for his enthusiasm for all things community as he is for his Lebanese/Phoenician street food.
And while his focus is on providing a successful addition to the local eatery scene, he is also hoping to “wake up” other food outlets – and the community as a whole – to the value of healthy fresh food, healthy competition and a healthy dose of “love and positive vibrations”.
“I did not come to step on anyone’s business, I came to add flair to the town,” Mr Hayfa said
“The more variety we have in town, the more interest there will be for people to come here.
“I’m actually asking for more people to come in with more varieties of food – of a good quality and affordable.
“But please put your heart into your service and your food. If you serve people with in love in your food, those good vibrations come through into their belly and into their heart and I believe that strongly.”
To add to the good vibrations in the community, Mr Hayfa has made a point of having long dining tables rather than individual tables inside his small cafe.
“I’ve always wanted to provide people with ethical, organic Fair Trade coffee and just bring back the ritual of coffee,” he said.
“People sit down and they connect with coffee – it’s medicinal.
“Let’s bring people to the table and get them to be honest and not hide behind phones.
“Let’s talk face to face, let’s connect. This is where problems can be fixed and it’s why small communities are successful. You can’t do that in the city, no-one is looking into your eyes, no-one connects.
“We are a product of our society, and we need to bring up a new generation full of love, full of passion and full of wisdom.”
As another way of spreading good feelings through the community, Byblos is having a grand opening tasting day on Saturday, December 1, where all food samples, fresh juice and coffee will be free.
Local students will be preparing and serving the food and drinks, while DJs from the Bega Sound Collective will be spinning tunes on the day.
Mr Hayfa said it was thanks to Keogh Plumbing that he was able to offer everything for free, with the cafe open from 9am “until everything runs out”.
- Byblos at Phoenician Street Food is located on the corner of Auckland and Hill St, Bega.