“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ― Søren Kierkegaard.
We've delved into the archives as our final look back on 20 key moments in the Bitton story so far before we launch forward into 2021.
2000
On November 7th, Sohani and I open the doors to a tiny 20-seater café – Bitton Gourmet, with a product range of the same name.
2001
Our first product orders from outside our own shop are received. Bitton can be found in Perth!
We enjoy our first media mention - a half page article in Sydney Morning Herald about chefs going out on their own (with Matthew Kemp and Kylie Kwong).
We open a commercial kitchen in Redfern where we make our products and hold chefs’ tables. One table, one booking, one space, one chef!
2002
The making of Bitton product moves out of our tiny little kitchen and into a real manufacturer – Ramasa in Marrickville. We have been producing our product there for over 20 years now!
2003
Bitton product starts exporting overeas with an exciting launch into Selfridges in London! Honestly a pinch yourself moment as we hadn't really expanded out of our own store here in Sydney!
2004
Bitton is first featured in the SMH Good Food Guide. This was a very meaningful recognition within the food industry in Australia.
2005
Bitton launches in David Jones across Australia.
I take matters into my own hands and manage to align myself with 3 Australian food icons - Tetsuyas, Maggie Beer and Charmain Solomon to produce a 4 Chefs Gift Box that is sold nationally in David Jones.
2006
I have the crazy idea that I can work all day at Bitton and then run a Tapas bar at night! What was I thinking?! Aperitif opens in Potts Point - a Tapas and wine bar co-owned and managed by Bitton.
2007
Bitton Alexandria takes on a huge renovation to become a 100-plus seat café and bistro as we celebrate 10 years in business.
We decide to turn our little cafe into a bistro at night and finally open for dinners.
2008
Bitton product range launches in New Zealand - our second export market!
2009
We officially opens The Bitton Room - an exclusive private dining room for up to 20 guests.
The Bitton product range enjoys national distribution for the first time.
2010
Bitton Consulting in launched - an industry based consulting business specialising in product development, recipe development, manufacturing and distribution.
The Bitton cookbook is created and lovingly put together by a small team. We self published and an unprecedented 60,000 copies are sold!
2011
I win my first Ambassador role with the Pear Association of Australia which is shortly followed by an Ambassador role with Kleenmaid Australia.
2012
Having had my own personal experience with childhood illness, I am honoured to become an Ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Family Room in Randwick, Sydney.
2013
Again driven by my own experiences, I am delighted to be invited on the Board of the Partnership Council at the new Chris O’Brien Life House Centre at RPA for Cancer Treatment and Research.
2014
I start the first of many years travelling as an official Australia Day Ambassador - first stop is Cobar! What an eye opening experience for a Frenchman!
2015
We say goodbye to our beloved business partner, friend, brother – Gabby.
2016
We finally take the plunge and open the doors to Bitton number 2 in South Sydney – Bitton Oatley!
2017
We enter into our first awards as a business – and win! Hospitality Business of the Year. So proud.
2018
I have the crazy idea that I want to write and self publish my autobiography. So I do! Chopped and Served - a gift to my children and in the hope that telling the story of overcoming my early struggle will help others.
2019
Bitton Consultancy boasts its best year yet - signing a 100+ recipe contract with the start-up business - The Preganancy Chef, working with Manu Fiedel on his range of sauces and several other clients signing on with longer term contracts.
2020
We open Bitton number 3 – Bitton Rose Bay in the beautiful Plumer Road retail precinct.
Five weeks later we find ourselves in unprecedented times when Covid-19 hits.
We celebrate 20 years – but not quite as we had planned!
Here's to many more stories. Goodbye 2020, we can't wait to see what 2021 has in store for Bitton!