By LUKE VOOGT
OCEAN Grove kebab lovers are mourning loss of Pabs Kebabs after the store closed last month.
Paolo Pighin was forced to close his store on 30 May after overheads and rent became too expensive.
He leased the large shop – which has a high rent compared to some nearby – with the intention to expand his menu.
“You can’t make millions just selling lamb and chicken kebabs,” he said.
“I could have gotten a smaller shop on the main street and it would have been cheaper.”
However, a business arrangement – which the Voice has chosen not to disclose – fell through, meaning Paolo was unable to add items to his menu.
Paolo said he could have started a kebab shop in his home town of Altona Meadows, but had wanted to move to the coast.
In his two years at Pabs Kebabs, he said, Ocean Grove residents had been as friendly and welcoming as he had hoped.
“I had a great time and I knew all my customers by name,” he said.
“I enjoyed every bloody moment of it.”
One resident sorry to see the store go is Lindsay Williams, who would go there each Sunday for a kebab.
“I’m very sad to hear Pabs Kebabs is closing,” he said.
“They had great food and friendly workers.”
But for stricken kebab connoisseurs, there’s still a chance Paolo might come back. He tentatively discussed getting a smaller store, or even a food truck.
“I want to try to get back there as soon as I can,” he said.
“I’ve got a few ideas but things are still a little raw at the moment.”
