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Business graduate co-founds new restaurant
When Sajal Barua of Bangladesh arrived in Australia seven years ago, he quickly signed up for an English language program at the University of the Sunshine Coast to boost his career prospects.
His determination to succeed has since seen him graduate from USC with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) in 2009, work as an accountant, and recently co-found a new Indian restaurant at Nambour.
Sajal, 31, of Maroochydore teamed up with Shaikh Akbar Ali – a chef of 24 years experience, including the past nine at the Coast’s Hathi Indian Restaurant – to launch the Taj Indian Restaurant on Coes Creek Road in late May.
The restaurant is open seven nights a week and business is booming.
“We are busier every day but only had 40 seats to start with, so I had to buy more chairs and tables to extend to 50 seats in our first month,” he said.
In addition to the talents of his chef, Sajal said his first Australian business was progressing well due to the skills he learnt at USC in accounting, management and marketing.
Sajal handles the restaurant’s accounts and has surrounded himself with the expertise of three other USC International graduates who assist with marketing, interior design and graphic design.
“I learned so much from the University,” he said. “I target good service, good food, good quantity and good price. I put this principle in place to be successful. The most important thing is to follow it.”
Sajal also draws on his varied experience and interests.
“I ran a software business and teaching centre in Bangladesh in 2001,” he said.
“When I was studying at USC I worked as a cook at an Indian restaurant and, after graduating, I worked as an accountant at a Maroochydore firm.”
“My ambition is to be a successful businessman,” he said, looking ahead to a possible Taj franchise and even a fabrics business.
– Julie Gatehouse