In the heart of Sydney, a sandwich shop owner with a profound sense of community is demonstrating the powerful impact a small business can have. Avi Labi, the force behind the acclaimed South Dowling Sandwiches, is on a mission to keep the spirit of Australia alive, one selfless act at a time.
More Than a Sandwich Shop
For Avi Labi, success is not just measured in awards, though he has plenty. His humble shop is a two-time winner of the best sandwich in Australia, a title that draws food lovers from across the nation, including players from visiting AFL clubs and local teams like the Swans and GWS. But the true legacy of his business, which he took over 16 years ago, is built on generosity.
Driven by a simple mantra, Avi states, "If you want to keep the country alive, support your local small business." He lives this philosophy daily. Seeing homeless individuals searching through bins near his stores in inner Sydney, he makes sure they are fed. His charitable efforts extend to supporting children's cancer research and survivors of domestic violence.
"God blessed us. We are okay. But there are a lot of people around us who are not," Avi reflects. "The best feeling is to give back to those guys in need."
A Network of Support and Charity
Avi's community work is multifaceted. As a former soldier, he has a deep commitment to helping fellow veterans, assisting hundreds of returned soldiers with PTSD in accessing psychological help. His passion for giving also sees him collaborating with celebrities, such as DJs Hugo and Jimmy, to create special award-winning sandwiches. These culinary creations are then auctioned, raising thousands of dollars for charity.
The business is a true family affair, a labour of love run by Avi, his wife Helen, daughter Jordana, and son-in-law Kevin. Together, they are determined to continue this legacy of care within their community.
Championing the Back Australia Campaign
Avi Labi is an enthusiastic supporter of the Back Australia campaign, using his platform to highlight the struggles many small businesses face. He passionately argues for the importance of local support over large, overseas corporations.
"We are here to stay forever," he asserts. "Overseas companies, they are not. If they don't make the money, they pack up and go and leave us with nothing. Anything you can do to support small businesses, that's what keeps the country alive. That's what keeps the streets busy."
This belief in local potential was validated when he sought funding to expand. He beams recalling how Westpac responded to his request for a loan for a second store. "They said, how much do you need? I told them, and they said, 'done'. In one day," Avi says. "Because they knew the business and where I was going."
Anthony Mathews, National GM of SME & Small Business at Westpac, confirmed the bank's confidence in Avi's venture. He stated that Westpac recognised South Dowling Sandwiches as "something truly special, and it's not just the food." Mathews added, "When we saw what he was building, we knew we had to back him. That's what we do at Westpac, we support businesses with real potential and owners who genuinely care."
Through his award-winning sandwiches and his big heart, Avi Labi embodies the very best of Australian small business, proving that success and community spirit can go hand in hand.
