Region’s food scene sizzles

Stakeholders are hailing a foodie boom in Karratha and surrounds as the opening of several new dining options adds to the ever-growing Pilbara food palate.

After a longer than expected set-up time, Fiorita Deli finally opened its doors at the Quarter last Tuesday, the second business to open in the new building since it was finished mid-year.

Karratha Visitor Centre also unveiled its Dreamtime Cafe last Friday.

KVC manager Jane Knapp said the growing dining scene would give locals and tourists choice, something which had been missing to date.

“For us, it’s more servicing our tourists and getting them to stay longer,” she said.

“The longer tourists stay in our shop, the longer we are able to sell our region to them.

Ms Knapp said while 2016 had seen a fall in the number of tourists, she was confident in the ability of new marketing strategies to boost visitor numbers in the coming years.

The two establishments are among a number of new eateries already launched or almost ready this year.

Rambla Bar in Wickham, Juels Cafe in Roebourne and Snack Boss in the LIA have all opened their doors to date in 2016.

The relaunch of The Icon, opening of Bushlolly Cafe and the Ranges Karratha’s new restaurant are all close as well.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Kylah Morrison said the number of new businesses coming on board showed confidence in the market.

“Every business really has their own point of difference and when they market that, that’s when when they will be more successful,” she said.

“By having more establishments, it helps to improve quality and customer services.

“I think you can already see cafes like Soul advertising local events, different fundraising activities and things to do around town.”

Ms Morrison said increased online presence from small business such as cafes would help attract more people to town.