A popular Royton cafe that will only survive the cost-of-living crisis if it expands has launched a crowdfunding campaign in the hope to raise enough money for an extension.
Bru’d Awakenin’s, on Shepherd Street, Royton is currently on the brink of closure due to its profit being “eaten up” by skyrocketing bills, supplier costs, and ingredients.
The cafe’s owner Shelby Bunn has said the only way the business stands a chance of surviving is if it expands into the unit next door and “gets more bums on seats”.
The café, which is currently having to turn away at least 10 people a day due to a lack of space, took on the lease for the unit last year but has been unable to move in after hitting a “financial wall” due to the cost-of-living crisis.
After failing to get a bank loan or a business loan from Oldham Council to cover the costs of renovating the unit the cafe has now launched a Crowdfunder to help raise funds.
The price of the renovation, including labour, construction, equipment, furniture, and décor, is set to cost £35,000 which is the target amount on the Crowdfunder page.
A statement on the page reads: “It’s been heartbreaking to see that some wonderful local businesses have been closed by the cost of living crisis recently and it’s emphasised even more that if we want to continue providing the people of Royton with a place to escape with a good coffee and a smile we need to act as soon as possible.”
The statement adds: “We are just about managing to survive as we are but having recently lost one of our valued staff due to having to reduce hours to cut costs, as well as our electric bills going up AGAIN, we know we need to evolve to stay here.
“We have grown so much since we started and funded it all ourselves, but we have accepted that it is time to ask for help if we want to succeed. We know it’s now or never, so with that in mind we have decided to launch a Crowdfunder with the hope of getting closer to our goal so work can finally begin next door.”
The cafe currently has five tables and can only accommodate 20 people. Once renovated the unit next door will provide the cafe with 22 extra seats.
The new space will also provide a drinks station, enabling the venue to serve both drinks and food during the evenings.
The extension will also allow for more storage space that will enable the cafe to buy more stock in bulk and offer a bigger menu.
Shelby is also hoping to run events in conjunction with other local businesses in the space including themed afternoon teas and brunch clubs.
To donate to the Crowdfunder go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-brud-grow
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