Cafes, crafts, councillors: Here are the most influential business owners in the Red Centre
Through a pandemic, lockdowns and a crime crisis, here are the most influential business bosses in Alice Springs that have survived it all. SEE THE FULL LIST
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AS the Red Centre bounces back economically post-pandemic, the most influential business owners have been credited as the “lifeblood” of the town. .
Alice Springs Councillor Allison Bitar praised local bosses, singling out small business owners as the “lifeblood” of the Red Centre.
“Small business owners are the lifeblood of a town like Alice Springs,” she said.
“Not only are small business owners working in the business and long into the night after hours, they are the ones running sporting clubs, sponsoring events and donating to the raffles.
“This town would not survive without them.”
Here are the most influential business bosses in Alice Springs.
Stephanie and John Capper, Red Kangaroo Books
Having moved to Alice Springs in 2001, Stephanie and John Capper now own the last dedicated book store in Alice Springs.
Red Kangaroo Books is a family-owned business that supports local authors by highlighting their work in store.
As well as showcasing local authors, Red Kangaroo Books has a wide range of content on Indigenous cultures, languages, and history.
Mr and Mrs Capper found ways to make Red Kangaroo Books thrive during the Covid pandemic where running an independent bookstore was highly difficult.
Mr and Mrs Capper teamed up with store manager Bronwyn Druce to promote a social media campaign where book lovers were encouraged to share stacks of books purchased from Red Kangaroo books that they wished to read through the pandemic.
Red Kangaroo Books is currently located at 79a Todd Mall in Alice Springs.
In an environment where running an independent bookstore has become increasingly tough, the Red Kangaroo Books owners manage to strive as influential bosses.
As well as the highly talented Bronwyn Druce, Red Kangaroo Books has also hired multiple book sellers, authors, and newsletter workers over the years.
Sam Edelman, KFC
Alice Springs KFC franchisee Sam Edelman is a larger than life person with a long history of supporting the Red Centre.
Mr Edelman has brought an abundance of attention to the Red Centre and has also contributed to the town’s economy through KFC and other ventures.
Described as a key driving force of the Alice Springs Community, Mr Edelman has sponsored local sporting competitions and youth organisations in a bid to support young people in town .
Mr Edelman has brought worldwide attention to the Red Centre after attempting to receive a Michelin star for his KFC outlet.
With KFC averaging four staff per shift, Mr Edelman will most likely be responsible for hundreds of jobs over the decade.
KFC Alice Springs is currently located at 90/92 Todd Street.
Cassandra and Mark Ling, Territory Pest Control
Cassandra and Mark Ling are the current owners of Territory Pest Control, established in 1965.
Territory Pest Control has 12 fully equipped specialist vehicles that travel to remote and regional areas outside major centres like Tennant Creek and Katherine.
The senior Alice Springs technicians for Territory Pest Control have more than 30 years of experience.
Mrs and Mr Ling prioritise hiring experienced workers in the Northern Territory.
As a family owned business, Mrs and Mr Ling want to keep Territory Pest Control contributing to the Alice Springs economy by eliminating termites and pests for both commercial and residential clients.
Territory Pest Control has 12 technicians and six office staff.
Territory Pest Control is currently located at 83 Smith Street in Alice Springs.
Lina Morelli, Country Bliss
Lina Morelli is the owner of Country Bliss, a hub for Aboriginal as well as other Australiana fabrics, patterns, panels, and buttons in the Red Centre.
Country Bliss opened in Alice Springs more than 16 years ago, proving that Mrs Morelli is a Red Centre local who can keep a long-standing business in demand.
Mrs Morelli also runs a quilting service out of Country Bliss along with having a large range of materials in store.
Mrs Morelli highlights a large range of Aboriginal fabrics at Country Bliss, putting Central Australia’s rich history at the forefront of her business decisions.
Homemade presents are still in fashion thanks to Mrs Morelli’s work as an influential business boss.
Mrs Morelli has provided many opportunities for work and experience to locals over her many years as a business owner.
Country Bliss is currently located at 3-4/64 Gregory Terrace in Alice Springs.
Allison and Nick Bitar, Loco Burrito
Allison and Nick Bitar juggle having three kids, being large-scale advocates for business in the Red Centre and running a successful restaurant for both locals and tourists.
Loco Burrito is a popular Mexican restaurant that brings variety to Alice Springs
Mrs Bitar personally has brought a wealth of recognition and respect for businesses in town after she successfully ran for council last year, having brought hundreds of jobs to town through her advocacy of a safer and more business oriented town.
Mrs Bitar has a background in heritage management and town planning, as well as the successful local Mexican restaurant with her husband.
The two business owners are also looking to franchise Loco Burrito, putting more money into the Alice Springs economy.
Loco Burrito is currently located at 10/74 Todd Street in Alice Springs.
Silvana Placentino, Meema’s Kitchen, Lolly & Craft Shop
Silvana Placentino is a hardworking local in the Red Centre who owns Meema’s Kitchen, Lolly & Craft Shop.
Meema’s Kitchen, Lolly & Craft shop has the largest selection of confectionery in Alice Springs and also offers homemade baked goods, desserts, and plaster painting.
Many of the baked goods made by Meema’s Kitchen are influenced by Central Australia and there are also products made by Red Centre Biscuit Company in the shop.
Mrs Placentino’s leadership and business knowledge puts her as one of Alice Springs’ most influential business owners after making Meema’s Kitchen, Lolly & Craft Shop one of most desired tourist destinations post-pandemic.
Having displays at multiple tourist venues, Mrs Placentino said the key to her success was turning her passion into a business.
“If you love what you do, it’s not a job but a passion,” she said.
Meema’s Kitchen, Lolly & Craft Shop is currently located at 64 Gregory Terrace in Alice Springs.
Nikolas Mochado, Outberry Brazilian Acai
Brazilian man Nikolas Mochado got considerable attention from tourists when he opened a new healthy acai bar in the Red Centre CBD last year.
Outberry Brazilian Acai is Mr Mochado’s first business and the acai bowls are made from actual acai berries.
Locals and outsiders alike have been impressed with Mr Mochado’s story of coming to Alice Springs as a construction worker and fulfilling his dream of opening up a healthy acai bar and growing the business.
Mr Mochado has a strong willingness to grow his new business and support the Alice Springs economy.
Outberry Brazilian Acai is currently located at 2/91 Todd Street in Alice Springs.
Justin and Yvette Pengilly, A Home Like Alice
Justin and Yvette Pengilly are experts in turning a house into a home.
Their business, A Home Like Alice, has attracted locals and tourists alike for its quality kitchenware, cookware and home decor.
A Home Like Alice has been located in Alice Plaza since July 2015.
A Home Like Alice is an independent distributor that sells products from major brands such as Maxwell Williams and Krosno Glassware.
Mr and Mrs Pengilly’s business is currently located at shop 26 in Alice Plaza.