Originally from Lebanon, Erica and Naji Rizk of The Rustic Fig Cafe say Adelaide’s secret charm and idyllic lifestyle won them over.
After deciding to make the big move to Australia from the bustling lifestyle of Lebanon, Erica, Naji and their two teenage children had only the city to decide on. While considering Hobart, Brisbane and Perth initially, they say they were drawn to Adelaide’s appealing lifestyle - an unexpected but welcome surprise.
We didn’t want the hustle, bustle and drama of Lebanon and were looking to relocate. We knew we wanted to come to Australia but were not sure where exactly.
Erica and Naji say it was a suggestion from a migration agent that led them to Adelaide. They could see it would provide the lifestyle change they were wanting for themselves and their children.
While many of their friends had already settled in Brisbane and Perth, the family made the bold move to call Adelaide home - a surprise to many of their family and friends. But the move has paid off for the family, settling into their new life happily, and with some exciting changes too.
While we don’t have any family here in Adelaide, we are happy with the lifestyle the city has offered us. Our kids have now completed high school and have really settled in. We are involved in our local church and have had so much support from everyone we have crossed paths with. The community has been very welcoming.
Not only has school proved a seamless transition for the kids, but so too have extra-curricular activities. Their son has joined a local soccer club while their daughter has immersed herself in charity work as an ambassador with the Australian Refugee Association.
But it’s not just the kids’ lives that have been through a transition. The Rizks have also embarked on another enormous journey with their move – starting their very own business.
Now the proud owners of Erindale cafe The Rustic Fig Cafe, Erica and Naji say that the assistance provided by Immigration SA really helped to facilitate their dream. After attending an information session run by Immigration SA, the pair were inspired by guest speakers to embark on their own business journey. Business advisors from the Business Enterprise team at Adelaide City Council further encouraged the couple, offering advice and support in beginning their new cafe.
Now employing two further staff, the bustling cafe provides the ultimate career and lifestyle change for the Rizks, and they’ve never looked back. With a focus on Lebanese street food, utilising local Adelaide Central Market ingredients, the business has also been a way for the family to maintain and share their culture in their new Adelaide home.
While they would recommend the move, they say they don’t want too many people to know about their new hidden gem of a home.
We feel that Adelaide chose us! We love that nobody knows about how wonderful it is yet. We want to keep it a secret!