Shock as top coffee shop closes after seven years
Owner heads to the capital
An award winning coffee shop run by a star entrepreneur has dramatically closed.
Seven- year- old Su Casa in Ayr was up for sale this week after owner Lucas Barraud flitted to Edinburgh a few months ago.
Lucas hired staff to keep the cafe running while he opened another business on the east coast.
But there was only one employee left making coffee on Monday in Lorne Arcade as the rest had left the bistro.
Lucas said: “I live in Edinburgh now. The business ( in Ayr) has not sustained itself. Not being there is a bit of a financial nightmare. It is a real shame as it has been an amazing seven years.”
The future of the cool coffee shop has brewed up a storm of speculation with claims of staff waiting on pay and an expensive roaster being held as ransom.
Lucas said: “The amount of rumours we have had over the last few months would make you laugh.”
Former entrepreneur of the year Lucas opened another venue in Edinburgh in January called the Roundsquare Coffee House.
And the ex Gordonstoun pupil even pawned his 21st birthday watch to get the Ayr business started. His dedication scooped him a top prize at the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust Awards a few years back.
Lucas and his partners also run a roastery business supplying bags of coffee.
Su Casa was advertised for sale for offers over £ 25,000 with a £ 5,500 new Sanremo coffee machine and grinder and fixtures and fittings thrown in.
A statement on the Su Casa Facebook page said the business was “now for sale due to owner’s relocation.”
It added: “Su Casa has established itself well within Ayr and is currently Number 1 on Tripadvisor for coffee or tea venues. The coffee house is unique for the area - selling freshly roasted coffee, high quality and local products. It has won many awards including the Cafe Life Gold Award in the Independent Coffee Bar category.”
The independent business attracted many regulars who enjoyed the unique atmosphere of the place.
It once held busy band nights hosting top musicians from around Ayrshire.
The popular cafe also had a reputation for selling delicious cakes and tasty bites.