The owners of Hatter House Café in Bristol emphasize the need for more support for independent businesses as they expand despite recent café closures in the area.
M K and Feras Khoula started their first café in 2019 on Clare Street. They focus on great customer service and high-quality food. Despite their success, they see challenges for independent businesses.
Many local coffee shops have shut down, including Not Found Kitchen and Eden Café. M K points out that big chains have advantages over smaller businesses, especially in choosing locations.
M K explains that larger businesses can secure prime spots in hospitals and stations. They also don’t face the same cash flow issues that small businesses do. Rent is a challenge for everyone, but small businesses need more support.
After six years in business, the owners feel independent brands need better backing. M K suggests lower rents and more opportunities for small businesses to thrive in good locations.
The new Hatter House Café in Broadmead is doing well. M K and Feras are not worried about past vandalism at the site. They believe their decision to open there was smart.
They plan to grow their brand further. Their goal is to have five locations in Bristol. They hope to open one new site this year and two next year.
They also want to expand beyond Bristol but want to establish a strong presence first. They take pride in being “Born in Bristol.”
Hatter House Café aims to support the local economy. They want to offer a unique experience, allowing customers to personalize their drinks. One customer even had six specific instructions for their order.
Feras highlights the importance of coffee culture. They use high-quality ingredients, believing customers can taste the difference. Their goal is to be a welcoming place for everyone in Bristol. They believe their success comes from their loyal customers.
