Bryce, initially came to Lorne from a hotel in Bateman’s Bay, NSW, to become general manager at The Grand Pacific Hotel, a position he held for ten years. Now with wife Samia, he has his own business, Lorne Central, a comfortable, welcoming meeting place for locals and visitors to eat.
Growing up in a New Zealand family who ran hotels and motels, hospitality was an obvious career option for Bryce. At age 17 he came to Australia to study at The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. After graduation his first job was in Melbourne, at what was then Sheraton Towers. His work ultimately took him all over Australia and the South Pacific.
Sam, born in Egypt, went to university in the UK. She came to Australia as a backpacker from Canada where she had worked for 3 years with the Fairmont Hotel Group. Her plan was to spend a year in Lorne and found employment at the Grand Pacific Hotel working for Bryce at the front desk. They became friends. Then followed some travel, until the pull of Lorne became overwhelming and she returned. After some time, her friendship with Bryce became serious and they married a few years later. Last year, they travelled to Egypt to meet Sam’s family and spent time exploring Spain.
On their return to Lorne they seized an opportunity to start their own business. Three months ago, their daughter was born so Sam is finding baby and business are vying for her time. However, as we sat for this interview, cosily in front of the restaurant open fire, baby slept peacefully looking very much part of the scene. It was exciting to hear of the plans they have to provide activities for the community. They were preparing for a regular Trivia Night, a local was busy at one of the tables with his computer, some younger fellows were sitting at the bar and I noticed Bryce stocking shelves with interesting produce.
Bryce and Samia are involved with the community through kids groups, footy club, hospital and the vocal group whenever baby and business permits.
