Glasgow has welcomed a new flagship coffee shop from Social Bite, which has opened its doors on Sauchiehall Street and will offer people across the city the chance to relax and enjoy great coffee and a bite to eat while doing their bit to help people who need it most.
Located close to Buchanan Galleries, the coffee shop offers an enticing menu, including homemade bagels, toasties and artisan baking. Coffee lovers will be treated to organic, fairtrade triple-certified beans from renowned roaster Mathew Algie, with all members of the shop’s team undergoing Barista training at the Mathew Algie Coffee School to ensure the perfect blend is served.
The social enterprise café will help Glasgow’s homeless population by offering training and employment opportunities to people in a situation of homelessness and a “Pay It Forward” system where the public can buy a meal or hot drink for someone in need when they pop into the coffee shop.
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Social Bite is one of the largest providers of free freshly prepared food to homeless people in the UK, providing an average of 180,000 items of free food and hot drinks through its network of shops and partners.
The new Glasgow outlet will welcome homeless and vulnerable people to access a free hot drink and a meal at various times throughout the day alongside paying customers. 100 per cent of the profits from the café will be reinvested in Social Bite’s mission of ending homelessness.
Co-founder and executive director of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, explained that they chose Sauchiehall Street as it is right in the heart of the city and ideal for reaching as many people as they can, adding that Glasgow is one of the most generous cities when it comes to donations.
He said: “We are thrilled to open our new flagship coffee shop in the heart of Glasgow. I really see this venture as the new blueprint for our social enterprise business model – offering the best-in-class food, coffee and environment for our customers to enjoy, whilst also making a massive difference to people in a situation of homelessness in the city.
"I would encourage all Glaswegians to come and enjoy some great coffee and food for themselves and to ‘Pay It Forward’ for someone in need. We can’t wait to welcome you in.”
Josh confirmed that they will be working with a range of local suppliers with the venture including the likes of Mathew Algie for their coffee, Brawsome bagels, Doh Donuts and fellow social enterprise Freedom Bakery, as well as offering Social Bite's own in-house toasties as part of their food and drink menu.
He added that they hope to distribute at least 40,000 meals and hot drinks to people who need it in the new Glasgow coffee shop annually.
Through their employment and training scheme, at any one time, they also hope to have at least one or two people that are from the situation of homelessness given paid employment and training opportunities, and over the course of the year help five to ten people into employment through the café.
Commercial and Operations Director of Social Bite, Melanie Swan, added: “Our new Glasgow location really is your one stop shop to enjoy authentic, Glaswegian sweet treats, hot food and quality coffee.
“We’ve taken a lot of time to put together our exciting menu, ensuring we’re working with some of the best local brands and people who believe in and support our mission.
“What better way to relax and enjoy your coffee in the heart of beautiful Glasgow with a lovely handmade cake or pastry and all the while, know that you’re doing your bit to help others.”
Speaking about how important the work that Social Bite does and how life-changing it can be, Social Bite supported team member, Andy said: “Social Bite didn't change my life, it saved my life.
“I've volunteered for Social Bite for seven years so it's great to see the new shop back in the heart of Glasgow and have a hub for the homeless community.
“It’s a warm and welcoming place for the Glasgow community and importantly will help Social Bite provide the same invaluable support and guidance to others that has helped me so much.”
Officially opening today, the new coffee shop will be open Monday to Friday 7 am until 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 8 am until 6 pm.
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