About us
My Sister and I have always talked about our dream of one day opening our own cafe/coffee shop. After careful consideration of costs and risk for new start-ups, we put a business plan together to start small and aim big. In 2017 we did it, took a leap of faith, and opened our mobile cafe Caravan, Rise and Grind. (As a side Hustle) to our full time jobs. We’ve gone from strength to strength within this time, touring around the UK at Festivals, Events, Parties and Weddings. Enjoying every second, and learning to grow with each other and in business.
Now, over three years on we've gained on the job training and experience, grown in business and are ready to pursue our dream of opening our own local independent artisan coffee shop and bar within Plymouth, By expanding the Rise and Grind concept. We’ve built great understanding of our market, target audience and what our customers want. Including current trends, upcoming competition, and how to continuously improve, grow and keep ahead. We know how important great coffee is to our customers, and that's why we’ve perfected and based our concept around just that.
We know customers are looking for local/independent businesses over chains. Focusing on healthy options, sustainability, unique menu choices, offering something a little bit different. Which is our aim, to provide a unique experience and personal touch!
Our Plan
Our next steps and plan to transfer our concept from the caravan into a trendy espresso and cocktail bar we have been spending the last 3 years looking for the perfect venue as a step up, but something that also provides a unique customer experience - We think we have found the perfect spot! A beautiful location on the Barbican, Plymouth.
Every penny of income has gone back into the business to enable us to save and invest to build our dream. Our pledge, is to support some of the current additional costs we had not been anticipating when purchasing a building that requires a substantial amount of renovation so we can continue with the works.
We do have considerable amount of renovation work to do, this had not been on the cards originally, but when we saw this premises we knew it was the one. It requires work from the ground up, and is currently a shell. Very exciting to be able to build exactly what we want from scratch, and we really want Plymouth residents to engage in this process to enable us to get the feedback and views that really matter. Our aim would be to support renovation over a 3 to 4 month period to enable us to open before the summer.
Our projects vision
Focusing on local produce, supporting local businesses, sustainable food choices and packaging as well as looking at environmentally friendly ways to grow our small business and reduce our carbon footprint. A place to unwind, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy nice food and time with friends. We’ve taken inspiration from places that inspire us including London and Budapest, falling in love with the unique coffee shops and bars, a chilled atmosphere, unique buildings but alive with a buzz of chatting, sharing food and music.
-By day; Beautiful sharing breakfast and brunch plates, a range of artisan freshly brewed coffee, from local roasters, speciality loose teas, real hot chocolate made locally using dark chocolate curls, chai and beetroot lattes, fresh orange juice and smoothies and delicious cakes. All with the little touches in mind.
-By night; Continuing our theme with an espresso based cocktail menu and speciality drinks ensuring a dining experience where you can unwind, chat, eat and enjoy a glass of wine with views across Plymouth sound. Cocktails professionally made by our trained mixologists, adding unique twists and lavish garnishes. Including snacks and cheese and charcuterie boards, olives, oven baked Camembert and breads. The perfect location for an after work drink or a catch up and nibbles with friends.
-Menu choices to be inclusive offering Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Dairy Free alternatives. Building partnerships and supporting other local businesses
Support and funds
As this adventure started as a part time hobby, it’s enabled us not to take a wage for the last 3 years, investing it back into the business ready for this moment. Enabling us to open our very own Rise and Grind coffee shop, without the pressure of huge amounts of debt before opening. Any advice or feedback would be appreciated. We had planned to purchase a coffee shop, but instead have taken on an exciting renovation, but this has come with substantial up-front costs to enable us to get it to the standard required. Any pledges received would really help us have the best possible start and would be put towards:
-Support getting water mains and sewage drainage installed, which we have been quoted £6,000 for.
-Substantial rain water flooding into property, where the option would be to invest in a tanking system and membrane for the full breadth of the property from walls to floor to ceiling and sump pump to remove excess water. Quotes around £7,000 - £10,000
-Property and renovations.The property will require work to floor and walls to insure insulated and secure, as well as create a bathroom space. Will require tradespeople to support with this element of the works. Estimate £2,000.
If funding exceeds expectations;
-Support being able to recruit and pay a member of staff to enable us to cover all of the hours we will be open, and be able to afford to pay someone from the day we open before income over the first 3 months £3,000
-Toilet space; Support from tradespeople to install an additional room to support a toilet which is a very important element of what we need to do to move from a take-away only service to a seated space quicker
-Equipment. To purchase a coffee machine either new or second hand which will prevent a monthly outgoing to lease this equipment.
-Carbon footprint. To enable us to look at our climate emergency and ensure we are reducing our carbon footprint by investing in further tools including Renewable energy and electric over other means. Sustainable alternatives to single use plastics, reduced food waste, super insulation to property, look at solar thermal solutions, Infrared heating and eco-friendly appliances such as our coffee machine
What will we bring to Plymouth
-Renovation of empty properties, that can generate additional footfall in a busy tourist area and increase revenue
-Renovating the Barbican, ready for the postponed Mayflower event
-Support new and independent local businesses to thrive during and after Covid-19
-Business looking at eco-friendly ways to run our business, as well as reduce our carbon footprint as best we can with new ways of using our energy and waste
-Offering a community space for Plymouth residents, focusing on what we can give back ensuring we support events and a place to engage with others through pop-up workshops and activities.
-Focus on sustainability, aiming for zero food waste, supporting food banks, no single use plastics and zero to landfill promise using commercial waste disposal that support this promise
-Sharing and giving back to the community, including jobs, apprenticeships, somewhere for communities to go, supporting food bank charities with surplus food, investing in good causes, running charity and community events
-Supporting growth within the economy for local businesses, as well as supporting Plymouth as an influential City. Showing local businesses and budding entrepreneurs anything is possible to grow a working culture. Working with other local businesses as well as support from Plymouth University and other projects
Mood Board
Rewards
Crowdfunder is giving us a brilliant platform and opportunity to engage with the community, family and friends and government support. We would be so thankful for any pledges, and have many thank you gifts to show our appreciation.
We would LOVE to be able to keep you up to date with our journey and progress, from start to finish to show you what you’ve helped us achieve, as well as provide a platform for new starters and those with ideas and dreams they would like to pursue. With regular updates to show what your funding has helped us achieve. We also have a range of complimentary thank you's from a percentage off your bill, complimentary coffee and cake, or even a lunch on us! As well as being on our wall of fame which will take pride of place at our coffee shop, and unveiled on our grand opening event.
THANK YOU!! Sophie and Molly
Rise and Grind Plymouth
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