A social café which challenged food poverty has shut its doors after six years serving the community of Ayr.
Unity Grill closed on Saturday citing the time had come “to move on to something new”. The eatery, on the corner of Sandgate and Newmarket Street, was wildly popular for serving delicious meals with a cause, with profits used to challenge food poverty in the area.
The café operated on a ‘pay what you can’ model, with those unable to pay able to donate their time and skills, as well as other customers donating more to offset costs.
Unity Grill gave back to the community via many other projects including; opening on Christmas Day to offer free meals, providing homemade hampers and sourcing clothing and toiletries for women and children in need during lockdown, giving out snack packs for kids during the summer holidays, and hosting pop-up social events and fundraisers.
Unity Grill said on social media on Saturday: “So tonight we’ve closed our doors for the last time. We’ve flipped our last pancake and steamed our last latte. The last six years have been a rollercoaster and it’s been an honour to have been part of the community.
“We would like to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has passed through the door or supported us from afar. We have served up for our paying customers and in the end given away tens of thousands of meals during that time too.
“We have loved being there for so many special occasions but the time has come to move on to something new and maybe a little quieter. We hope that you will remember us fondly and have been inspired to do something kind. Lots of love Team UG.”
The closure comes five months after Unity Grill founder Angela Iver said she was stepping down with new owners taking up the helm.
Angela said back in December: “My goal was to challenge the stigma of food insecurity in our town by being visible and creating the space for conversations to happen. At the time there was so much denial that this was needed.
“With a tonne of help I created a beautiful space and brought an unused building back to life. I’m a little bit proud of what I’ve built. This Christmas will mark around 1600 free Christmas dinners. There will be new owners I hope you will support too, so don’t worry about your coffee and pancake fix. It’s just me that’s leaving.”
Hundreds of messages of support from loyal customers flooded in wishing the team all the best on their new venture.
Siobhian Brown MSP said: “This is incredibly sad news for our town. Angela and her team have been a beacon of hope during challenging years and demonstrated where there is a will there is a way. Wishing you the very best for the future.”
One customer said: “Your business model is so heartfelt and kind and I always felt happy to contribute something financially knowing it was going to much needed causes locally.”
Another said: “Unity Grill was a shining light in Ayr. Thank you for everything you did and the positive difference you made to so many.”
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