A much-loved Tube station coffee vendor who was forced to close his business when his power supply was shut off is back up and running because of the generosity of Londoners.
Frank Wang, who trades at Bethnal Green station, said he was “so happy” after hundreds of loyal customers supported him and raised more than £10,000 to reopen his stall.
Mr Wang had a stall at the station for 15 years but was forced out last year following a row with Transport for London (TfL) over an electricity supply box.
After uproar from customers, culminating in a huge demonstration outside the station and a 4,000-strong petition delivered to mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Mr Wang was told he could stay.
But after six months out of work, Mr Wang had been forced to sell his cart and coffee machine – as well as his car – to support his family.
With no means to reopen, supporters responded by launching a Crowdfunder to help Mr Wang buy new equipment. And 318 customers raised £10,558 in the space of just two months.
Mr Wang, 52, now expects to reopen in March. He told the Standard: “I am so happy so many people supported me.
“My business was destroyed. I also bought a generator and the council said it made too much noise. It then got stolen, so a lot has happened to me.
“I was so stressed for such a long time. I had to sell my car and all my coffee stall equipment. So it feels great to be back in business.”
Mr Wang, who regularly gives free hot drinks to homeless people, added: “A lot of people know me. I will be so happy to see my customers again.”
Simon Wooley, one of the customers who led the fundraising campaign, said: "Frank symbolises what is great about Bethnal Green.
"Over 200 people showed up for the protest. He's been here for 15 years and is a part of the furniture here."
The money will be used for Mr Wang to buy a new stall, coffee machine, washer, fridge, security system and car battery for his power supply. In return, investors will be given 10 per cent discount loyalty cards.
A TfL spokeswoman said: “After working with Mr Wang we are delighted to have been able to help him find a way that allows him to continue to trade at Bethnal Green station. We recognise the key role of London’s small businesses – the services they deliver make up the vast majority of our commercial estate, and will always do so.”
