Coffi, gin and bakes business thrives thanks to new App

Over 40 new jobs have been created during Covid-19 as more than 30,000 people have been enjoying their usual coffee thanks to a new App from Coffi Co.

With the continuing support of the Development Bank of Wales, Coffi Co has been trading from all its outlets during lockdown via its new App with a home delivery service available from four outlets. Over 30,000 people have registered to use the App.

Coffi Co has also taken over the former Carluccios restaurant on Mermaid Quay to open Gin & Bake. The latest venture for local entrepreneur Justin Carty opened for takeaway afternoon tea picnic boxes and freshly baked cakes alongside takeaway gins and alcohol from the bar, on Saturday 4 July 2020.  

A seated area in the live bakery and in the secret gin garden will follow as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow.  All tables will be pre-booked online and each booking will come with a two-hour limit per table. 

Justin Carty said: “I think the key for any business is quite simply to accept “now” as the new norm. As a business owner you need to adapt to the current situation. We now have over 30,000 users of the App and are solidly positioned as a takeaway, sit in, sit outside and home delivery business. 

“All stores have in fact now opened their gardens and terraces and we’d expect to deliver record numbers for July with further increases to come. Weather allowing we’re aiming for a really strong August too helped by the Government’s eat out to help out voucher scheme.

“In fact, we really are hoping that Coffi Co will emerge from Covid-19 in an even stronger position than 2019 and we’re delighted to have created over 40 new jobs over the summer months.”

Richard Jenkins, Portfolio Executive with the Development Bank of Wales added: “Coffi Co is bringing something new and very different to Mermaid Quay with their live bakery and new gin garden.  

“Justin has remained  focused on building a business that combines the key ingredients of a great leisure driven location, welcoming atmosphere and the very best coffee, freshly baked cakes and of course gin. He’s proving that resilience, agility and determination really are the successful ingredients behind any good business model and we wish him every success.”

Open 364 days of the year, Coffi Co was established in 2014. The first store opened in two shipping containers in Porth Teigr in Cardiff Bay. There are now six sites including the original Porth Teigr store, Mermaid Quay, Cathays, Penarth Marina and Porthcawl.