THE pandemic hitting Fiji sparked the establishment of home business with many families looking for ways to generate an income following the wave of job losses.
Starting a new venture seemed like a daunting challenge for many ,but for Jasveer Kumar and Jasmin Ruben, the pandemic became the catalyst for building a resilient family enterprise right in the heart of Lautoka.
What began as a modest red bean cart near the RB Patel Supermarket in Lautoka has now expanded into Jas Sweets and Snacks, a popular caravan business run by the couple and their children.
Today their daughter 20-year-old Radhika Chand stands alongside her siblings and parents to serve a steady stream of regulars, ranging from legal staff working at the High Court and Magistrate Court to everyday shoppers seeking a quick bite.
“It was a hard time back then when we were starting out, it was hard to attract customers, but they eventually became familiarized with us.”
Over time, their determination paid off as the community embraced their offerings.
The caravan is well known in Lautoka for its savory bites like bara, bhajia, mixed beans, and potato fritters, but its vibrant array of Indian confections is the main draw.
“The common things people go for is bean and jalebi or mixed bean.”
Freshness remains central to their daily operation and loyal customer base.
“We make the sweets in a small amount, not too much, so that it’s enough for a day, and that’s how we keep it fresh for our customers.”
Their sweet selection includes suji ladoo, coconut barfi, elaichi barfi, triple ripple, almond barfi, and yellow barfi, all made with pure ghee.
Looking ahead, the family has expanded into live catering and special orders, ensuring their business continues to flourish.
