When the coronavirus brought his indoor sports centre to a screaming halt, John Almond and his family moved quickly to adapt, throwing themselves into expanding their other business, Kiev Nation.
Kiev Nation, launched five years ago, began with making chicken kievs for close friends every fortnight, until demand increased to the point where the family was making 100 kievs a week.
Then, says John, they added chicken schnitzels and tenders, supplying the homemade products to their Facebook group of about 600 customers.
“Soon we had 1900 people in the group, and now we have an online store where orders are placed once a week,” John explains. “This growth came about through word-of-mouth, with people rapt with our products – nothing frozen, all freshly prepared and homemade. We also moved to providing additional meals and desserts.”
John explains how Kiev Nation operates.
“Once a week we prepare fresh meals and other food for local families. They place their orders between Thursday and 6pm on Tuesday for a Wednesday pick-up or delivery ($5).
Products on offer
• Fresh chicken kievs, schnitzels and tenders
• Chicken nuggets ($4 for 10)
• Homemade desserts and slices
• Pre-cooked reheatable meals
• Fresh oysters ($14 a dozen)
• Fresh meat, eg pork belly ($16 per kilogram)
• More than 100 lolly options
The business adage is “a family making food for other families, at affordable prices”.
“We have a couple of customers who’ve been buying our food for unwell parents, as well as for family members who don’t have strong appetites but discover menu items they can now enjoy on a weekly basis,” John continues.
“Parents are finding their fussy kids love our food, too.”
“And we recently joined with a local church group where we donate all leftover food to the locals who are going through challenging times.”
Meet the Kiev Nation crew
As well as John the cook, there’s his dad Dale who does all the crumbing.
John’s partner Rebecca organises all aspects of deliveries, while Belinda is an all-rounder who packs all the food ready for the delivery drivers.
Belinda’s husband Alex picks up the chicken, bright and early every Wednesday; and Kari helps with social media and deliveries.
Then there’s Tippy, the newest team member, who makes delicious cakes and slices.
Kiev Nation, 13/55 Graham Court, Hoppers Crossing. Opens 9am-5pm Wednesday for pick-up and delivery. Inquiries: 0413 472 079 or Facebook.
