What We Have Learnt, What Kept Us Sane, and Why We Are Still Here (Somehow)
One year ago, Gusti opened its doors with no dramatic music, no ribbon cutting, no fireworks. Just a tiny team, some very good food, and a quiet hope that someone, anyone, would walk in.
Twelve months later, we are still here. Slightly more tired, slightly more caffeinated, and still wondering how so many people sing that loudly on Saturday nights. But honestly? We would not have it any other way. Real People. Real Chaos. Real Heart. Let us clear something up. Gusti is not a corporation. There is no secret boardroom, no strategy team in suits. It is just us. People who work double shifts, fix broken chairs, take your orders, and sometimes even run to the shop mid service for something we forgot to stock. True story.
This past year taught us a lot. Some lessons were uplifting. Others felt like a punch in the gut. We learned that sometimes, the people you expect to be there… are not. Friends vanish. Family gets busy. People you really hoped would believe in you just do not show up. Ouch. But then, others did. Strangers. Curious ones. Some came in for coffee. Others stayed long enough to accidentally become part of the furniture. Some asked about the menu. Others just needed a place to sit quietly for a while. And we saw something beautiful start to happen. A community started forming around us. Not the kind that is perfect and polished. The kind that is real. People giving, people taking, people healing, people celebrating. Some came in to cheer up. Others came in to cheer us up. And somewhere in between, this little place became more than a business. It became something that feels like home. Sometimes even more than actual home does.
But Wait, There Is More.
Let us talk about the location.
Yes, Valley Road is not exactly a seafront promenade. We have heard it all. There is no parking. You are hidden. You should be in Sliema. To which we say: Why not Valley Road? It is gritty. It is real. It is part of us now. And honestly, diamonds do not get discovered in shopping malls. They are found in tough places. So are we. What We Have Actually Been Up To. If you have been with us, you already know. If not, here is a crash course. Morning people, we salute you. You show up for fresh toast, hot croissants, eggs, omelettes, and coffees strong enough to rewire your nervous system. Lunch guests, we see you. You come for the ribs, burgers, wraps, salads, and that mysterious thing called pinza that keeps winning everyone over. Evening visitors, you bring the buzz. Two for one cocktails, wine with platters, lazy conversations, a bit of flirting, and food that reminds you life is actually good.
Saturday karaoke crew?
You are completely unhinged, and we love you for it. From power ballads to questionable duets, you have turned Gusti into Malta’s unofficial therapy through song bar. Sundays are for the softies. Families, long lunches, kids running around like they own the place, tables filled with food, wine, and enough laughter to carry us through Monday. It has been wild. It has been real. And yes, it has been messy. But so are the best stories. Moving Forward (Spoiler: We Are Not Going Anywhere) We are not perfect. Not even close. But we are consistent. We are honest. And we are here. We are here when you need a bite.
We are here when you need a drink
We are here when you just need to sit somewhere that feels a little bit human And yes, we are here when you need to sing My Heart Will Go On with no regard for pitch or volume.
We are so grateful to every single person who walked through our doors
To those who stayed
To those who left
To those who doubted us
To those who built with us
And to those who told their friends, posted about us, and kept us going when we were too tired to believe in ourselves
You are part of Gusti
This is yours as much as it is ours
So what now?
We keep going
We cook more food
We pour more cocktails
We turn the volume up just a bit louder
And we keep building something that feels like home, for anyone who needs it
Cheers to us
Cheers to you
Let us do this together
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