As a kid, Bloss McClelland would smell her dad's glass of wine - it was a fun game to guess the aromas.
And given she grew up in a hospitality family - owning Batemans Bay favourites like On the Pier, Starfish Deli and the Noodle Bar – it was a safe bet that Bloss would become a chef, working in the Wollongong scene before the bushfires aftermath drew her home again.
Bloss says she was grateful to be with family when the pandemic hit, carving out work as a consultant by helping struggling restaurants find creative ways to survive Covid. It was a time for reinvigorated passions and she commenced a degree in viticulture and wine sciences, with dreams of opening her own small bottle shop.
Dreams change and two years in Bloss ditched her studies to take up a lease with a view in the heart of the Bay CBD. That view was right across the Clyde River and that lease became not a bottle shop but an eclectic and cheeky cocktail bar.
Mami's Bar is every bit a reflection of its owner, in style and name. Bloss tossed with the idea of a light and airy coastal-themed bar…
"But I am not light and coastal," laughs Bloss. "I was always seen as a motherly figure in my workplaces. I would cook everyone ramen at the end of the shift, making sure everyone was looked after."
Bloss began with no pre-set ideas, except for the bathroom. "I have always remembered bathrooms. I needed a pink one which had to be a selfie spot. Something iconic to Mami's that could flood social media – a good marketing tool."
Looking to her own preferences, the venue kept developing – adapting ideas from her favourite bars, artwork and décor from her favourite tattoo artists, and a curated drinks menu that's cheeky, playful and all-Australian.
Bloss says starting the business alone during the pandemic was tough. "I had to work so hard to get people in – a cocktail bar was something so different for Batemans Bay."
Mami's Bar opened in November 2021. Due to Covid, patron numbers were restricted by half – 25 people. Staff fell ill and had to isolate days before the opening, so Bloss was chucked in the deep end in her first stint bartending.
With her typical modus operandi, she flipped this to a positive, using the restriction to her benefit as "teething time".
"We had time to make a few mistakes before summer kicked in. It was hardcore busy and crazy by December, but super fun once we got in the groove."
Taking stock after summer, Bloss realised food waste was an issue. Her menu was too big. "Wasting food is a pet hate, so we focussed on a limited menu featuring dumplings and specials."
Bloss says she was both surprised and proud after her first year of business, managing to turn a profit even with rising interest rates and "super-high rent". In her second year, Bloss has dipped into other revenue streams, like coffee – opening up between 8am and 2pm – and events, all the while keeping the space comfortable and welcoming to all.
We'll lift a glass to that – cheers!
- This story was first published in Council's quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to the shire's 26,000 households.
- Download a copy of Living in Eurobodalla: June - August 2023 (1.0 MB)
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