Bosses hoping risky move filters into big success
A NEW independent coffee shop has taken over a former Burger King in Llanelli and is bucking the trend by opening its doors in the pandemic.
As 20 stores remain with their shutters down in the St Elli Centre, the owners of Coffi Bradley have taken the risk of setting up shop in the heart of the town.
And it seems that the step is paying off with socially distanced queues of customers buying takeaways from the independent retailer.
Jim Bradley, managing director of the firm, said they are happy to take on their big-name rivals of Costa and Starbucks and added: “I’m sure an independent business can have a go.”
The small company already has a number of stores, from Talbot Green to Godreaman.
And their latest store in Llanelli has a distinctly Welsh flavour with nods to the town’s passion for rugby in its decor.
It is also home to classy lighting and has a stylish interior.
Simon Bradley, coowner of the business, said they were determined to open their doors despite the current crisis to get their name out there and known in Llanelli.
He said there were currently four out of 24 shops open at the Llanelli shopping complex.
“The place will get a lot better when retail is allowed to open, even though it will happen before we can open indoors,” he said.
“You can get takeaways, you can see the inside but can’t sit down. It’s been very good feedback so far.”
He added: “A lot of people are itching to meet people and get back to human contact, that’s what we crave.”
He said while some days have been quiet, others have seen a steady stream of customers and they have also had queues.
He said it was vital that local firms thrived in the current climate in a bid to give the economy a major boost.
Simon also said local businesses will be key in terms of helping the country to recover from the knock-on effect of the crisis. “There are shops closing within Llanelli and Parc Trostre – it’s kind of in some ways going against the tide,” he said of opening now.
“The idea is that we are hopefully setting the stage – it’s always a risk,” he added. “We have got to step forward. We hope our decisions will have a benefit for our staff and business community.”