From café to wine bar, chef Rachel Jones and sommelier Keven Osborne have co-founded one of the hottest spots for an authentic taste of the region’s oldest and finest wines.
Just beyond the city’s edge, where the Swan River bends silver through the hills, West Swan Road stitches a myriad of orchards and vineyards together. This is where visitors and wine enthusiasts alike can experience fresh local produce: exactly what you will find at The Naked Fox, a European-style restaurant and bar that has been heavily influenced by Rachel’s childhood memories picking fresh vegetables and enjoying her mother’s simple, tasty meals right where she grew up in the Swan Valley.
“We first opened our doors in August 2020, and for 18 months ran as a café while we waited for our liquor licensing. Once we had our liquor licensing, we opened our wine bar. So now we have got a café, wine bar and a fully functioning restaurant here in the Swan Valley,” Rachel explained.
“We were the first wine bar to open in Swan Valley during the COVID period… it was quite an interesting time to start a business!”
Not putting all your grapes in one basket
Growing up around hospitality, Rachel has seen huge change across the industry since she was a teenager.
“I’ve been in the industry for around 20 years. I think what’s interesting now is the cost of living, which can take money away from hospitality businesses as people are less likely to dine out. On top of that, there’s an increasing worldwide trend of people drinking less alcohol,” Rachel stated.
“So, what my husband and I often talk about is diversification within our small business. We opened with the café and always wanted to open the wine bar but had to do it in stages, similar with the restaurant thereafter. It was a long time for growth, as opposed to a massive investment backing. It’s something we’re proud of, however it was a long road to get there.”
“Currently our business is running well and busy, but we are finding costs creeping up such as fuel levies being attached to products bought in; the rise in prices of wine post 1 July; and through mainly working with local farmers for stock, we know they are feeling the pinch as well.”
“What we are reluctant to do is pass these increasing costs onto our customers too much,” Rachel emphasised.
“I try to stay positive and proactive. The Small Business Development Corporation is really an advocate for businesses like ours – getting our message out there that something has got to give for us to keep running our business fluidly.”
Vine and thrive with the SBDC
Becoming business owners presented Rachel and Keven with some challenges, but with the help of the SBDC they found their feet quickly.
“The SBDC gave us a lot of advice on licensing and how to ensure we had the correct approvals needed to operate,” Rachel highlighted.
“They also helped us with our tenancy agreement. As we didn’t have a team of lawyers at hand it was beneficial for us to chat with the SBDC – mainly on the legal side of things about what we’re entitled to and how to work with the owner of the property.”
“More recently, when we found out I was pregnant and therefore at some point unable to work in the kitchen, we reached out to the SBDC to understand what type of support we could get in addition to Centrelink’s.” Rachel shared.
“Being a husband and wife team, maternity leave isn’t a conventional option for us, the business must keep running. The SBDC helped us understand our position and gave us hope, as we’re not the only couple out there that run a small business like ours.”
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The dream team
A successful working relationship would be an understatement for Keven and Rachel.
“Being able to work with my husband is like working with my best friend,” Rachel smiled.
“We had to iron out a few things at the beginning, but I think like anything in life, good communication is paramount. It’s important to have two-way conversations without bringing too much emotion into it, especially in a business sense – I feel we have done that well.”
Together, they are carrying forward the Naked Fox’s ethos – to hero local produce and represent and support other local, small and family-owned businesses, bringing community and sustainability to every plate and glass.
More information
- Discover how to start a food business
- What you should know about working with family
- Learn about negotiating a lease
- Understanding your compliance requirements when producing alcoholic beverages
- Read more WA small business stories
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