Speaking at the soft opening today, Group Managing Director Vanessa Charters says the renovations had been underway since June 2025, when the arcade closed for refurbishment.
Charters describes the redevelopment as a substantial investment for the Yatu Lau Group, and says the Hot Bread Kitchen is honoured to remain part of the historic Suva venue.
She notes that the reopening follows the launch of the company’s Deuba outlet in February this year, which became Hot Bread Kitchen’s first shop in the province of Serua.
However, Charters clarifies that the reopening does not increase the company’s total number of outlets.
She thanks the Super Flea Market management and loyal customers for supporting the business during the renovation period, adding that the food bus operation will now retire, leaving the company’s total shop count at 26.
Charters also reflected on the company’s beginnings in 1981, when founders Dr Mere Samisoni and Dr Jimione Samisoni established the business with partners.
She says the Samisonis’ medical backgrounds influenced the company’s approach to baking, with a focus on producing bread without added preservatives due to their understanding of health and nutrition.
Charters also recounted the history of the Suva Market outlet, which was formerly Baker’s Dozen, owned by the father of veteran media personality Felix Chaudhary.
According to Charters, the shop became part of the Hot Bread Kitchen family in 1992 after discussions between the Samisoni family and the Chaudhary family.
She says beyond producing baked goods, the company’s greatest achievement has been creating opportunities for local workers.
She says the Hot Bread Kitchen does not employ foreign labour, instead, they employ local people.
She says the company has provided employment and skills training opportunities for people who may not have completed formal education, helping workers support their families, build homes and create better futures for themselves.
Charters adds that many employees’ children have gone on to become the first in their families to attend university, helping to break cycles of poverty.
