Best of Melbourne: Amato Automotive takes title after surviving “brutal” Covid lockdowns
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South East
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A small, family business that has been repairing and servicing cars for 18 years has been named the best in Melbourne.
Amato Automotive was chosen from a short list of finalists by Leader readers.
It’s the second time the Seaford business has won a public vote.
In 2019 it was named the best mechanic in Melbourne’s south east.
Adrian Amato who owns the business with wife Michelle said the second win was all the sweeter after a “brutal couple of years” staying afloat during Covid.
“Our apprentice Eric had no work for 16 weeks during the long lockdown and without JobKeeper we wouldn’t have been able to keep him on,” Mr Amato said.
“Even after the lockdown eased people were still anxious about coming in.
“For the first time ever I had to ask Michelle how much money we needed month to month to stay open.”
Post lockdown Mr Amato said demand for repairs and servicing had soared.
“We’re getting smashed on the phone with people wanting to book in.
“We’re already booked up until March.
“I think people are finding new cars are impossible to get and second hand ones are too expensive, so they’re investing a bit more in looking after what they have.”
Customers were like family for the Amatos who prided themselves on being honest and transparent.
“It’s simple. We’re upfront with people. We tell them what needs to be done and how much it will cost before we start the work,” Mr Amato said.
The approach encourages loyalty and the Mount Martha couple have now been servicing and repairing the same cars for so long they now recognise their customers by voice.
“We usually know who they are as soon as we hear them on the phone,” Mr Amato said.
“If I can’t pick their name, I know their car!”
Amato Automotive is at 1/12 Sir Laurence, Drive Seaford
