Member Article

Coffee shop proves a hit for enterprising trio

Local entrepreneurs Chris Jones, Kirstie Kimmins and Ian Jones are ‘steaming’ their way to success after opening coffee shop ‘Graze’ in the Royal Quays Outlet Centre, North Shields.

Not to be deterred by the economic climate, Graze adds an ‘extra shot’ to their combined growing business empire which includes a successful shop fitting outfit and café in Chester-le-Street.

Tynemouth native, Chris, said: “Through our shop fitting business, myself and Ian were regularly called out to Royal Quays on jobs and had the chance to meet many of the tenants and the management team. It struck us that this could be a great place to launch a new venture.

“We wanted to un-earth a new business opportunity and with Kirstie’s experience with her café ‘Coffee Bank’, the three of us decided a new coffee shop could be the way to go.

“We were thrilled when we heard that a space had become available within Royal Quays. Since opening, we have been really busy.”

Kirstie Kimmins, said: “My inspiration for opening Coffee Bank four years ago, came from my love of ‘Friends.’ I wanted to create somewhere that people can just pop into and relax. Over the years, I have learnt that the secret to running a great café is your staff.

“If you cultivate and reward a team for their work ethic, you will reap the benefits and that is what we have in both cafés. Graze is proving to be a great location for us and the support we have received from centre manager, Judith Ramshaw is fantastic.

“We have our eye on further expansion and we are currently looking to open a new coffee shop in Tynemouth.”

Royal Quays centre manager, Judith Ramshaw, said: “Chris, Kirstie and Ian are local entrepreneurs who should be applauded, their determination to turn business ventures into a success is really paying off.

“I was delighted that they chose Royal Quays to launch Graze. The coffee shop is proving very popular amongst our customers and it is a great addition to the food and drink offering onsite.”

For more information, please visitwww.royalquaysoutlet.co.uk

Ends

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Royal Quays Outlet Centre .