Didi Fonseca

At the Copa; Copacabana! Interview with DIDI FONSECA Owner of Copacabana International In 1978 Barry Manilow sang about the goings on of the Copacabana in the US, but my mission was to find out more about what has been going on at Copacabana International in Melbourne. Celebrating its 13th birthday in August, it seemed like a good time to take a trip down memory lane with Didi (owner since 2001). Didi (full name Dionisio Araujo da Fonseca) was born to the son of a farmer in a small town in Brazil 700 kms from Sao Paulo and now calls Melbourne home with his lovely wife Jennifer and their four children (including twin girls). Didi studied in Brazil and became a Policeman, but also followed in his Father’s footsteps and studied as a Lawyer. (His Father sold their farm at age 35 and moved the family to Sao Paulo to become a Lawyer). Didi said “I studied so much in Brazil that I haven’t opened another book since; not even a love story”. By age 23 Didi was a Commander in the Police force with five cities under his control (a very dangerous job, especially in Brazil). Then through a strange twist of fate he and a friend made a trip to Australia and after one day in Sydney, Didi knew he would not go back to Brazil.

Facing many difficulties after arriving, including not speaking a word of English, Didi (by chance) found a Portuguese speaking telephone operator when trying to call home and was invited to Melbourne and here he has remained. Working initially as a Dishwasher and learning English from the staff (they would write words/phrases on a board in the kitchen), he eventually became a Cook. Offered the chance to be a part  in a new restaurant and with no previous experience in this type of industry, Didi did not hesitate to accept and joined forces with Marco Rocha and three others (with Marco holding the biggest percentage) and Lamia, a Greek Tavern, opened in August 1998. Prior to becoming Copacabana International, Lamia was the biggest Greek Tavern in Melbourne. Now as sole owner of Copacabana, Didi is able to bring all his dreams for the venue to life and for him this is a great feeling. He loves entertainment, but his real passion is food, this is his pride. “We offer our customers everything under the one roof so people don’t need to go elsewhere for food or a show.” In Didi’s words “Copacabana  it is not á la carte, not silver tray…It does provide you with what is essential… it is quality , tasty, feeling, fresh  food… and we also cater for vegetarians”. Didi and his wife Jennifer divide the business work load well, so they each play their roll and follow the areas of the business they are passionate about. Copacabana expanded in 2008 and opened the Ipenema Room, also known as Conga Room to the local Salsa community. Didi said “The name Conga Room was suggested by Fabio Isak. It could have been the Coconut Room. If people like a place they will come, but a strong name is needed and Conga is that”. The Conga Room provides regular Salsa nights on Friday (with live band and DJ) and at other times private functions. Copacabana itself offers a Brazilian feast including 'churrascaria' cuisine (Brazilian BBQ grill), live Latin American floorshow and social dancing and is well suited to corporate and private functions (including weddings),holding up to 600 people maximum. Didi said “The age bracket is older, 30 up, with lots of Hen’s nights and birthdays, especially big ones, 50, 60, etc.; we’ve even had a 90th”. Over the Christmas period and at End of Financial Year they feed/entertain up to 3000 people a week and average 2500 per week at other times of the year. So are there plans/dreams for Copa in the next few years? “Yes” said Didi “I always have ideas I am working on” and he is hoping to have some of these in place before the end of the year. (I was sworn to secrecy so you’ll just have to wait!!) Working 80-90 hours a week at Copa I asked Didi if he had time for any hobbies. “Soccer and follow what the kids all do” said Didi. He explained that the whole family loves soccer, but Jennifer also loves Tennis. His favourite thing to do other than Copa, is nothing and spending time with his kids even finding time for family meals together a few times a week. My impression of Didi is that he is warm hearted and a real family man. He takes pride in all he does and aims to be the best he can be. No one can ask for more than that. Didi believes you are defined by who and where you are, rather than your past. With his passion and drive and partner Jennifer at his side, I would say Copacabana will be celebrating birthdays for many years to come.   www.copacabanaint.com.au Return to Interviews | Return to Homepage