AN Albury purveyor of raw desserts has landed in bigger CBD premises this month, weathering the coronavirus crisis and border restrictions.
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Nine Canaries opened in its new Olive Street store on Friday, having moved from a smaller shopfront in Dean Street.
Nine Canaries founder Lisa Ryan said though border restrictions had rocked the Twin Cities, businesses had teamed up to help each other reduce the impact.
Ms Ryan said she continued to supply cafes at Numurkah and Yarrawonga through new networks and had teamed up with Wodonga-based Miss Macaron to distribute each other's produce.
She said her new premises was the icing on the cake.
"The move has generated a new buzz about the business," she said.
"The desserts have been growing through word of mouth in Albury even though Wodonga people made up 40 to 50 per cent of our trade.
"We're offering more savoury choices now and sit-down meals at the premises, which can seat 25 people.
"We love watching people walking in and finding out that almost everything on the menu is gluten-free.
"That has been our real point of difference."
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Ms Ryan started Nine Canaries more than two years ago to supply vegan-friendly raw desserts - free of refined sugars, dairy, soy and gluten - to Border clients.
She said she had expanded into lunch dishes, baked goods and wholesale trade, outgrowing her Dean Street shop space during the past 12 months.
She said she had weathered the COVID-19 storm because she was essentially set up for takeaway service.
"Coronavirus made us stronger than ever as it forced me to move the business much quicker than I had planned," Ms Ryan said.
Ms Ryan said people wanted healthier takeaway options in these unknown times amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People were seeking alternatives," she said.
"My staff have worked hard and we keep thinking of the bigger picture."
Nine Canaries, now at 556 Olive Street, operates Monday to Saturday 7am-2pm.
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