ALMOST every day is Father’s Day at Joe’s Bakery in West Perth.
The shop, which specialises in sausage rolls, pies, coffee and sweets, was opened by Joe Buhagiar in 1979. His son David later learned the trade and started working there in 2003.
“I decided to join the family business and do my pastry apprenticeship under Dad when I was 22,” David said.
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READ NOW“I had pretty much grown up in the shop anyway, so after taking some time to work in other industries and some time travelling I felt that the time was right.”
Spending more than 50 hours a week together sometimes takes its toll on the relationship, but father and son always sort out their differences.
“We have our ups and downs. Like any family business it isn’t always easy, and we spend more than 50 hours a week just at work together, but we work it out,” David said.
“When we go out for dinner away from work we have to try and keep the business talk for another time.”
Even though they spend that much time together, they still make sure to do something on the first Sunday in September.
“This year being early risers and both loving food we will be going out for breakfast,” David said.
“We will try and avoid talking work but inevitably it will happen.
“I can’t remember any specific memory of Father’s Day (over the years) but can remember dad having a sleep in the afternoon most years.”
Joe said he learns a lot from David.
“David is more up to date with the trends and updates in technology, so sometimes I need some convincing that there’s a better way of doing things,” he said.
The pair will add a new dining area down the laneway at the rear of the shop this year.
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