If you're looking for a relaxing evening with friends over deliciously good local food and drinks, head to Riverfeast on a Friday night brought to you by locals Greg and Karen who have create a successful small business which is going from strength to strength.

Riverfeast: The Future Of Alfresco Dining

Riverfeast at night

Break down the walls, build a ladder, find a different path but don't give up. These days starting a small business is wrapped with red tape making your dreams seem out of reach. Business owners jump through hoops as if they are auditioning for the circus and obstacles seem to be around every corner. Greg and Karen, owners and operators of Riverfeast Bundaberg, have faced all these obstacles, conquering them as if they were running the tough mudder course. As now successful small business owners they reflect on their experience, offering words of advice for those who dare to dream...

 
The captivating owner and operator of Riverfeast, Karen Wittkopp (Credit: Paul Beutel)

Take giving a speech to 10,000 strangers, now times it by 100 and that's how nervous Karen was on opening night. Picture 3000 hungry visitors scouring the property for the best seat to take in the view of the Burnett River and Karen, tears of pride streaming down her face as she tried to find any available seat for her mother. Never in a million years did the couple imagine owning a craft beer and food alfresco dining venue, but here they were, hours upon hours of hard work, a pile of conquered red tape and the future of alfresco dining in Bundaberg.

Watching the sun go down over the river with a Baffle Beer (Credit: Petrina_mc)

Riverfeast's success can be attributed to Greg and Karen's confidence in the project. They broke down the walls, jumped through the hoops and tore down the red tape, but they did not do it alone. One of the most important lessons learnt on this journey was to not be afraid to ask for help. Networking and good communication skills are so beneficial to turning your dream into a reality. Conquering the fear of the unknown and having faith in yourself. Believing in your dream. Anything is possible if you ask the right questions and introduce yourself to the right people.