Stunning Shanikas

A BOOMING Pakenham business has just been recognised for its hard work.
Lakeside business Shanikas @ Viale was entered in the inaugural South East Melbourne Business Awards by the Cardinia Council, as part of winning last year’s 2010 Cardinia Business Award for the Food and Wine category. It was an automatic submission and although they did not win last month’s South East business awards, they did however manage to become a finalist.
Part-owner Nigel Boltwin said the awards acknowledged the hard work his team had put in, in just a short period of time.
“It’s such a thrill,” he said, adding the business started in Pakenham four years ago. “To get recognised last year for hard work in a formal way in front of businesses from Pakenham was just fantastic.”
It’s the first year the South East Business awards have run with nominations coming from 10 councils – Cardinia Shire, City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong were just some of the regions involved. Overall there were 53 finalists nominated; Shanikas was one of them.
“The area is growing rapidly around here and to be able to grow with it is amazing,” Mr Boltwin said. “We all work our butts off day in, day out to give the best service and make the best food.”
Mr Boltwin said they decided to expand out to Pakenham on the back of their Berwick restaurant which has won American Express Awards, three years running.
“To be able to expand bring the success of Shanikas to Pakenham has just been an amazing experience,” he said.