Are you looking for healthy food take-away options around Lithgow? There are some familiar Lithgow faces ready to help out.
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The new business is the baby of Ahmet and Esra Taymur, husband and wife duo who run Lithgow's ISPA kebabs.
"We wanted a healthy option for the people of Lithgow, because we noticed that people have been wanting a healthier option because there aren't that many in town," Mr Taymur said.
"The virus has made everyone want to be more healthy and this opportunity came up to provide something different to the people of Lithgow."
Mr Taymur has been doing business in Lithgow for the past 10 years, with his current business continuing to attract new customers every week.
ISPA Kebabs which is family run and located in many different towns around the Central West, Mr Taymur said he wants his new business to succeed in Lithgow.
"We want to continue to grow the 'Healthy Bar' and have success in Lithgow," he said.
"This town is asking for something different and especially the young people who might want fresh smoothies and juices."
What's on the menu?
Over the past few months the COVID-19 downturn has given Mr Taymur plenty of time to think about the menu and the healthy produce they can provide.
"We will have breakfast options, lunch options, vegan, gluten free options, everything is super healthy, we have spent a long time on this menu and [we] believe people will love it," he said.
Mr Taymur believes no other shop in the plaza does breakfast meals which he says will be a huge bonus to his business.
"Most people come and do their shopping and then leave because they can't find anything to eat," he said.
"They come in the Coles side but nothing keeps them here so they do their groceries and leave, but this will give them something to stay for, and other tenants will have the option to showcase their products."
Mr Taymur said that he always tries to do good by the customer and the Lithgow community.
"This business will be good for the town, because people will be spending in Lithgow and not shopping outside the town, because as soon as we shop outside the town then our town loses money," he said.
"But this way we can bring more jobs and have more options for people, so I'm doing it for the Lithgow community."
Mr Taymur said he was keen to rebuild the food court and develop it so that more customers can come to the centre.
Supporting Lithgow business
Mr Taymur said he just really wanted people to come and shop local.
"Since COVID-19 everyone seems to be looking at their health options and how to look after ourselves so we have to be careful with food and drink options," he said.
Mr Taymur said he wants to create a happy atmosphere for people who come to his store.
"We will be there for everyone with a smile and happy customer service, we would love for customer feedback, to see what they want or think we should do, because everything we do is for our customers," he said.
Mr Taymur said that he will work between both businesses but his wife would run it full-time.
There will also be local employees, with a few full time workers.
"I keep getting told that with COVID-19 around it's not a good time, but I have a different view," he said.
"Lithgow is already struggling, but developing this business will help give local people jobs and hopefully drive more people through the complex doors, it will be a big positive."
Mr Taymur said he has tried to make the prices as affordable as he can, with the prices ranging from anywhere between $3 to $10 for a large salad.
As for why he chose to locate in the plaza and not on Main Street, it was simple really.
"I don't mind Main Street, but it has limited parking, and you need to be where the traffic is and you have people coming in and out of Coles all day, the shopping centre is where people come and you have unlimited time in car park so it works perfectly," he said.
Everyone's welcome
Mr Taymur said they will be able to cater to workers as well who can't just sit down and have a meal on their lunch breaks anywhere else.
"They have nowhere to go so if they come in the food court, they can get something healthy and sit and eat it," he said.
Mr Taymur said he has received positive feedback on the shop idea, ever since he posted about it online through his ISPA kebab Facebook page.
"The amount of support from local people has just shocked me, it shows that our customers are always behind me and when we are doing the right thing for the community and people they will show up and give you that support," he said.
Mr Taymur said he is really proud of Healthy Bar's smoothies and hoped the younger people would enjoy them.
"You get a lot of younger people sat outside with their energy drinks, but hopefully this might bring them inside and have something healthier," he said.
Ms Taymur has been working on the colour scheme for the shop and the couple have been painting and putting everything together, ready for the opening.
"We just want it to be perfect for the opening, we don't want something to go wrong, so we are working on everything," she said.
The perfectionists even watched YouTube videos to decide on the right blender, so they would have no problems.
"We probably watched 10 videos and then decided on this one, so that we could make at least six smoothies, while someone washes the containers," Mr Taymur said.
The couple worked with many local businesses to get the storefront ready, including local signage, electricians and more.
The shop will be located in Lithgow Valley Plaza food court across from Coles.
"We will be opening in the first week of September," he said.
The Healthy Bar will be open everyday from 8am until 6pm, with the option of staying open later.