A Mold cafe has launched a £20,000 expansion project which will double the popular coffee shop’s seating capacity.
Lot 11 Express, on the corner of Chester Street and High Street, has taken over the former shoe repair shop next door and is currently knocking through to expand the cafe in order to keep up with demand.
Part owner and manager, Sarah Baker, has built a loyal, growing customer base since opening in summer 2017 and her focus is on employing local people and using regional suppliers.
It employs four staff including two who formerly worked in the Mold branch of Greggs bakery which closed earlier this year.
The cafe is backed by pub group investors that includes former Everton and Wales footballer Barry Horne.
Sarah, 30, of Gwersyllt, Wrexham, said: “When the next door shop became available, we wanted to snap it up because knocking through was the obvious thing to do to ensure we can make the most of the fantastic and loyal customer base we have built up.
“I’ve been amazed by the support we’ve had in Mold. We’re always busy and mornings are ram packed, so extra space will make a big difference.”
She added: “Additional space also opens the way for us to cater for larger groups. If that takes off I may have to increase my team and look at employing more people.”
The expansion will provide room for four tables and 18 additional covers, up from the current 20 covers when they are at maximum capacity.
Sarah already has big plans and is also applying for an alcohol license and considering hosting occasional evening events such as gin nights and prosecco parties.
Her route to success has been supported by the joint-owners of the Fat Boar gastro pub group who are investors in Lot 11.
The directors are Rich Watkin, ex-Everton player Barry Horne and director of Hays Travel North West, Don Bircham.
Sarah said: “I wouldn’t be up and running now if my colleagues at the Fat Boar hadn’t the confidence to invest in me.”
She added: “It felt a bit like going on Television’s Dragon’s Den presenting my business plan to them. Fortunately they recognised it as feasible and knew how committed I am to making it work.”
Her financiers bought the premises which Sarah leases from them.
