When Mandy and Gary migrated to Australia in 2010, they arrived with little more than determination and a willingness to work hard. Like many new arrivals, they began wherever opportunity presented itself, running a cleaning franchise for two years while learning the local business landscape.
While settling into life in Australia, Mandy begun studying a pastry course, and her passion for baking soon became the foundation of their future. In 2012, the couple took a leap of faith and purchased their first The Cheesecake Shop franchise in Traralgon, swapping mops and buckets for mixers and ovens.
What began as a single regional bakery has since grown into a thriving, multi-store family business. In 2015, close family member, Manu moved to Australia to pursue a master’s degree in professional accounting and soon became an integral part of the operation, helping the couple manage and scale the business behind the scenes. Together, the family has steadily expanded, now operating stores in Ballarat, Traralgon and Warragul, with a fourth location that has just opened in Cranbourne.
Today, the business employs more than 35 locals and continues to deliver strong results, including 5% year-on-year sales growth and a 29% surge in delivery orders in the last financial year. Their success was recently recognised with The Cheesecake Shop’s most prestigious accolade, the Konopacki Lionheart Award, selected from a national network of more than 280 stores.
At the heart of their growth is a people-first philosophy shaped by their own migration journey, supporting staff, backing local communities and building welcoming neighbourhood bakeries. Their Cranbourne opening is an exciting next step, and the family look forward to bringing that same community spirit, passion and resilience to another Victorian suburb they’re proud to serve.
