High school sweethearts re-unite and now run popular Mexican restaurant

Troy Hoffstede and Virginia Homer ... with a beautiful new bar installed, diners can enjoy the range of cocktails, from Margaritas and Mojitos to Pina Coladas and Tequila Sunrises.

They met at high school and reunited 29 years later. Now they run a Mexican restaurant together.

Troy Hoffstede and Virginia Homer have been busy bringing beautiful Mexican cuisine to Nambour at their Currie Street restaurant La Salsa De Vida, and it has fast become a favourite with their loyal customers. 

“Our’s is actually a cute story,” said Virginia. “We met in 1989 when we were students at the Nambour Christian Outreach College, but we were ‘kept apart’, so to speak. After 29 years, we reconnected on Facebook and haven’t been away from each other since! We did not want to be apart again and that was the main reason we decided to go into business together. And we wanted to create a space where people could relax, unwind, and enjoy beautiful food in a family friendly atmosphere.”

'We didn't want to be apart again and that was the main reason we decided to go into business together.'

Judging by the hundreds of five star reviews on Google and Facebook, Troy and Virginia have struck a winning formula.

Last year was an opportunity for the couple to give the business a refurbish and the space now promises an exciting dining experience for guests.

“When we took the restaurant on it was a Taco Boy, and we decided to stay with Mexican cuisine because when done well, Mexican food is so tasty and healthy,” Virginia said.

Troy and Virginia have worked in hospitality but prior to taking over the restaurant, Troy had been working as a tiler and Virginia in childcare. 

The space is modern and colourful and the menu boasts fresh, hearty dishes for a broad range of food requirements, including vegan, with generous portions. There are free ice creams for the kids. 

“At the end of the day, we know that if you offer wholesome, tasty food in a welcoming atmosphere, and great service, people will have a great experience,” said Virginia. 

“Customer service is a very strong focus of ours and we have the most awesome team. Our staff are all local juniors, and it has been rewarding for us to train them and help them build their confidence in hospitality.”

Investing in a business in Nambour was a no brainer for the couple, however, they remain a little overwhelmed by the support they have enjoyed since opening their doors.

“I could never have imagined people would be so encouraging and supportive of us,” Virginia said. “The community here is so friendly and we have become very good friends with many of our regular customers.

“I think people love the vibe of the place and they tell us they find it relaxing to come here; that it’s a bit like coming to our house for dinner. It’s an amazing compliment. I think to fully appreciate what we offer, you just have to give it a try. It’s a bit like trying on a dress. You won’t know it suits unless you try it on.”

 “People really love the frozen cocktails at the moment,” said Virginia. “They are perfect during these humid summer days.”

“There is still a lot we want to do including updating furniture, and introducing outdoor dining and live music,” Virginia said.

“The last three years have been exhausting, stressful, overwhelming, exciting and rewarding, in equal measure,” said Virginia. “La Salsa De Vida means ‘The Source of Life’, and while the experience has been all of those things, making beautiful food and hosting our fabulous customers has also inspired us and given us the energy to go even harder.”

• La Salsa De Vida 98 Currie Street, Nambour 5309 6668.