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Subscriber only Starting his career as an owner of a Red Rooster store at 19, a Coast businessman said his drive to make a change has lead him to success with former MKR contestant Scott Gooding. Good Place Kawana co-founder James McGovern has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a 14-year-old Red Rooster kitchen hand and is looking forward to opening three new venues in Caloundra, Brisbane and Sydney after unveiling a Kawana-based cafe in July. With a business with kindness mantra the health food cafe sources sustainable and ethical ingredients for its menu and only uses local suppliers such as Forage Farms, Voodoo Bacon, Sunshine Coast Organic Meats, Suncoast Fresh and more.
The Good Place co-owner James McGovern says his health food cafe survived this year’s setbacks because of its connection to the local community.
Located in Buddina on the Sunshine Coast, The Good Place had only been open for two weeks before the federal government imposed restrictions in late-March.
So, when foot traffic from the neighbouring shopping centre slowed down and indoor dining was no longer allowed, McGovern knew takeaway sales were not going to be enough to keep the new business afloat.
That’s when McGovern turned to the local community.
“Through social media and other digital channels, we reached out to local gym owners, operators and community leaders,” McGovern says.