Chef Travis Clive-Griffin is selling his Greytown business Salute. PHOTO/FILE
By Chelsea Boyle
Greytown’s Travis Clive-Griffin is handing over the keys to his business but not hanging up his apron.
Salute went on the market last Wednesday, and already there has been quite a few nibbles of interest from prospective buyers.
Mr Clive-Griffin said after 16 years, it was time for a change.
He is not surprised by the interest in his business, and said “things are moving in Greytown quickly”.
“It’s obviously a brilliant town, and people want to be a part of it.”
Mr Clive-Griffin has worked with food his whole life, starting as a kitchenhand at the age of 10 when he had to “stand on a milk crate” to wash the dishes.
As a chef he was inspired by his Lebanese heritage to serve middle eastern food with a modern take.
“It had a point of difference that I wanted to share with many people.”
Salute had far exceeded his expectations, he said.
“We are very proud of what we have done. It’s in a great position for somebody else to take over and continue on in a similar vein.”
There was still plenty of room for growth in the business and that was how he wanted to hand it on.
“What I have really enjoyed, is coming to a town that was obviously on the up,” he said.
“There was some really cool stuff starting to happen when we came here and I feel like we joined into that brigade and we have been part of the amazing growth of Greytown.
“We have seen it change enormously. Now, the customer is a lot more discerning.”
Mr Clive-Griffin is not quite sure of what he will tackle next, but it is safe to say food will play a big role.
Having a break would give him time to get more creative with his ideas, and he was certain “something will come from it”.
