Opening a new business can be difficult at the best of times, never mind with all that’s going on this year.
The Springburn Chippy, a new addition to the Springburn area, has not only had a successful launch - but hopes to do some good for the community at the same time. After opening on September 15, the business was surprised by the reaction from locals.
Javarea Imran, Operations Manager at the chippy, spoke to Glasgow Live about what they’ve got planned. She said: “Helping the community is really important to us, we’re opening in an area where unemployment is quite high.
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“The owners are passionate about hiring local people, and we have a very diverse team - to reflect the community around us. We just wanted to ensure that we were providing something for locals as well as us providing them with a service.
”We hired five folks from the Springburn Job Centre, some had been unemployed for about three months while there was one that hadn’t found work in years.”
As well as providing work opportunities for the unemployed, the takeaway also plans to offer free food to the Spirit of Springburn Foodbank. Within the next few weeks, they’ll be dropping off suppers at the Foodbank Hub.
Speaking about the plans, Javarea said: “Usually when folk come to a foodbank there’s a lot of tinned food and things they need to heat up, which is an added cost.
“We’re planning to get them a good hot meal, and a bit of a treat as well which they might not necessarily be able to afford.”
The gestures don’t stop there either, as Springburn Chippy told us they’ve become the first fish and chip restaurant in Glasgow to become a Living Wage employer. They’re also the second chippy in the whole of Scotland to do so, behind The Bay in Stonehaven.
Gail Irvine, Living Wage Scotland Manager said: “Springburn Chippy has become Glasgow’s first fish and chips shop to be accredited by Living Wage Scotland - we are delighted to welcome them to the Living Wage network.
“Living Wage employers like Springburn Chippy are helping to tackle low pay in the hospitality industry. Paying the Living Wage also has clear business benefits, contributing to improved recruitment, staff retention, and a healthier and happier team.
“We hope this accreditation encourages more hospitality employers in Glasgow and across Scotland to join the Living Wage network by becoming accredited Living Wage employers.”
Speaking about the choice to join the Living Wage network, Javarea said: “It’s quite rare for a chippy. We’re trying to shake up the way hospitality businesses do things, especially takeaways.
“You often don’t get breaks, work long hours, and aren't paid fairly in hospitality. That’s not what we want to do.”
Springburn Chippy will also be offering 50% off their food between 9pm and 9.30pm, just before closing. Anything in the friers will be given at a discount, hoping to reduce food waste and give those on more of a budget the chance to get a hot meal cheaper.
You can find out more about Springburn’s latest takeaway here.
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