Sandro Puca is taking the Victoria Park café strip by storm. Not only does he own highly successful Social Manna but he’s also captured the heart and soul of the local community.
Pulling power: Becoming a chef was always Puca’s ultimate dream.
But after working for years with little to no reward or recognition, Puca decided to take matters into his own hands.
With 25 years of experience under his belt — and a little nudge from Nosh Gourmet owners — Social Manna was born.
Puca wanted to create a space where “customers felt a genuine connection” and he’s done just that, but not without a solid team around him.
Now — after a pandemic, a divorce and the devastating passing of his mother — the 41-year-old says he’s taking a step back to focus on himself, and to care for his father living with dementia.
Constructing a community: The cafe has an eclectic interior, featuring a wall filled with more than 3000 vintage souvenir teaspoons.
“Each of these spoons have been donated, they all represent a special moment in time. . . that vibe and energy resonates strongly in the cafe,” he says.
“The wall of spoons has become a memory of loved ones passed, where people who donated them come in and have a moment, remembering all the happy memories.”
Claim to fame: Social Manna is no stranger to a celeb, with The Book of Mormon cast, Ernie Dingo, Syan Vallance, Chris Masten, and the whole Yeo family having paid the cafe a visit.
Keeping it real: Puca says “people are fed up with the highly curated picture-perfect shots” on social media, which is why he aims for “personable, relatable, funny, stupid content”.
Giving back: Social Manna donates to local schools, community sports, Cancer Council’s Purple Bra Day, Legacy and The S..box Rally, and have pledged to donate 10k to Men’s Talk.
“You need to always bank coins in the purse of karma”, Puca says.
Rapid fire:
Go-to coffee order?
Tired — long black, need to feel awake — espresso, tired but have time to savour the taste — oat long mac topped up.
Favourite item on the menu?
I’m gushing over our chilli scrambled eggs.
Three local businesses you love in Vic Park?
This is hard as I love them all. If I had to choose — Ria, Green Bunch and Neho.
Follow @socialmanna to be entertained, to meet the team and to see delicious dishes served up.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
