[Williamt]

Williamt

23/06/2020 am 11:49 am #28939

• The opportunity is to operate the popular Fold Café rent free for a year
• Little or no investment is needed
• In the wake of the Covid pandemic we would like to provide an opening to a food enthusiast to create their own business
• This is in line with The Fold’s mission to benefit the community and promote environmentally sustainable practices
• A partner is being sought now, though the café will reopen later in the year (when safe to do so)

The Fold CIC is looking for an operator to run the popular Fold Café and is offering the first year of business rent free. The café, which seats 60, is in a beautifully restored 17th century granary building, it is fully fitted and requires little or no investment.
The aim is to help an operator in the wake of the Covid pandemic who is passionate about local seasonal and organic food with a strong vegetarian focus. It was decided earlier in the year to outsource the café operation, but the devastating effect of the lockdown on the hospitality industry prompted the decision to offer the café rent free for a year. It is hoped this will enable an operator who shares The Fold’s commitment to sustainable, ethical business to rebound and thrive.

Located in rural Worcestershire, the Fold is a Community Interest Company consisting of an organic farm, artisan village and centre for personal growth and wellbeing. Its mission is to carry out activities which benefit the community and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, the local and wider community and the planet. The café sits at the heart of the site and is vital window on the wider organisation. Since it was founded in 2007, The Fold has worked to support the local economy and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

William Tooby, Founder and Director of The Fold says: “We are blessed with beautiful land and facilities here and this is a great opportunity for someone passionate about real vegetarian food, organic ingredients and serving delicious nutritious dishes. Embodying and promoting sustainable ecological practices is core to our purpose; our organic farm produces fabulous vegetables all year round and the café is a vital part of the Fold. We are searching for an operator who aligns with our values that we can support through these difficult times”.

An operator is being sought now, though the café is unlikely to reopen before September (and only when it is safe to do so). More details are available by request. Please contact Operations Manager, Chloe Mackean by email: operations@thefold.org.uk.