News 3 GHA HELPS DRUMCHAPEL TENANT REALISE DREAM OF OPENING BUSINESS


A TENANT from Drumchapel found the perfect recipe for success - after GHA served up a business grant. Chef Tony Philip had all the


ingredients to open his own restaurant and our tenant reward scheme Glasgow Gold helped make it happen. And, after taking on unemployed people from his own community, he’s hoping his American-style diner will be a sizzling success. Tony, a former chef in some top


restaurants, fulfilled a lifetime ambition of opening his own place a few months ago. He opened his new restaurant -


called 50 States Diner - in Clydebank and the business is going from strength to strength. Tony was able to increase opportunities for others by hiring 10 unemployed people, including from his own community in Drumchapel. Tony said: “I’ve been a chef all my


life and worked for 15 years at a Michelin-star restaurant. “My wife passed away in 2003 and I had to look after my three kids rather than pursue my career. “It was always my dream to open


my own place. I got a £1,000 grant from Glasgow Gold which really


helped me set up.” Tony worked for two years to find


suitable premises and write a business plan - before opting for a site at the Empire Cinema in Clydebank. He added: “I have a really good head chef, Colin, who’s also worked in some of the country’s top places. I took on


Success on a plate for Tony


chefs from Drumchapel too. “It’s important to build links with the


local community and word of mouth is important. We know a lot of customers by their first name. “Now we’ve been open for four months and it’s going well.” GHA tenants whose rent is fully paid


up can join Glasgow Gold and receive a range of benefits, including the chance to apply for community, education, and business start-up grants. GHA Chair Gordon Sloan said: “Glasgow Gold helps us increase opportunities for tenants. “It’s always great to hear of tenants making a real go of their business ideas. I wish Tony all the best - and I’m looking forward to tasting his food.” See page 14 for our iPad competition for Glasgow


i Gold members.


BUSINESS BOOST: Tony and the team at 50 States Diner


theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


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