Results from the first month of trading in Grow’s training café have exceeded expectations.
The café opened for limited periods on three days a week from 6th February and is already building a following of regular customers.
The aim is to provide training opportunities in the café for all Crew members who are interested in learning hospitality skills. Already 13 members of the team have been involved, learning new competences either ‘front of house’ or in the kitchen.
“We have successfully completed Stage One of our operational plan”, said Training and Development Manager, Rich Portsmouth, who is leading the front of house training.
“We have established what works well and where a few adjustments are needed so we can offer a smooth service.”
Mr Portsmouth is keen to point out that the Crew are all adults with learning disabilities or difficulties and the café has been established to broaden the range of training in occupational skills which the charity can offer.
He continued: “It’s important for our customers to bear in mind that we are a training café so developing the ability and scope of the Crew comes first which may mean that service is a little slower than in a traditional café setting. Our customers understand this which helps to give the Crew confidence.”
Throughout February the café was open to the public for a total of 24 hours. During that time the Crew helped to prepare and serve 479 beverages, food items and sweets.
Customers are invited to fill in a short questionnaire about their experience before leaving the café. Comments from the 47 forms completed during the month are very encouraging and include observations such as: “Polite, prompt service with a positive attitude” and “First visit, and really impressed with the cafe. Staff all very efficient and friendly.”
On Tuesday’s and Wednesdays, when the café is open at lunchtime, the menu includes simple, nourishing home-made dishes such as soup, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. Crew baked cakes such as scones, carrot cake and Victoria sponge are available on all three days.
The café is open on Tuesdays between 12.30 and 3.30pm, Wednesdays 10am – 11.30 am and 12.30 to 3.30pm and on Thursday 10.30 – 11.3am. If the café is busy customers are invited to go into the greenhouse to see the stock of summer plants which is building up or wait in the seating area within the Facilities Centre, until a table is free.
Pictured: Crew members Sam Winterflood, Jonathan Hodkinson, Tia Wilson, Abby Jansma, Jolyon Morton and Tom Lowe preparing for opening time
