Sorrento / Pauly’s Diner - Sarah Devi

Taupō

19 Mar

Written by Kim Manunui

Business Owner

After relocating to Taupō in 2017, I began my journey in the hospitality industry by establishing my first café.

With no prior experience in business management, the early days were a steep learning curve.

However, through persistence, adaptability, and a strong commitment to quality service, the venture quickly developed into a successful operation.

I owned and operated Piccolo Licensed Café, which ran successfully until September 2023.

During that time, the café built a loyal customer base and became known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistent service. As the business grew, new opportunities emerged.

In 2022, we expanded by taking over Pauly’s Diner in Taupō, followed by the addition of Sorrento in 2023, further strengthening our presence in the local hospitality scene.

Like many small business owners in the hospitality sector, I have faced several challenges along the way.

Managing tight operating margins alongside rising living costs has required careful financial planning and adaptability.

Staff management has also been a key focus, ensuring the right team culture while maintaining high standards of service.

In addition, effective inventory control has been essential to minimise waste and keep operations running efficiently.

Above all, maintaining consistently high-quality customer service has been critical to building and retaining a loyal customer base.

Alongside building these businesses, I have also balanced the responsibilities of family life—raising two daughters and maintaining a strong and successful marriage for the past 13 years, with many more years ahead.

Starting from scratch without formal business experience was daunting at fi rst, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding.

Over the years, I have developed valuable skills in leadership, operations, and customer relations.

Today, I am proud to say that I truly enjoy working as a business owner and contributing to the vibrant hospitality community in Taupō.

Get in touch with Sarah,

Sarah Devi
Business Owner

Sorrento

07 378 8212
Hello@sorrentodining.co.nz

sorrentodining.co.nz

Pauly’s Diner

07 378 4315
paulysdiner.co.nz

Food & Dining

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project. Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth. And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz