The owner of a mobile coffee bar has credited the Covid pandemic and his customers with helping him achieve the dream of opening his own café.
Jon Hill launched his business Piccoloco selling coffees from a van on Newcastle-under Lyme’s The Stones marketplace in February 2020, just before the country went into lockdown.
He says his offering helped to bring people together safely when restrictions were eased and the sense of community he has created since has given him the confidence to sign for his first fixed premises.
Along with son Ben, he has signed to take on a unit recently vacated by Sando restaurant, once a Yankee Candle shop, on Hassell Street just yards from where they are currently located.
Jon, formerly a graphic designer, who has since upgraded the van for a trailer with gazebo, said: “I always wanted to have permanent premises, but I didn’t think I would be able to achieve it.
“But we seem to have the products right and the positivity we have received has given me the confidence to go for it.
“When we began reopening after lockdown, I don’t think there was anywhere else in the town offering takeaway coffee like us. People were going out for their daily exercise around the town and came to me.
“It was great talking to people, quite therapeutic in a way, and I got to know them well.
“We have some lovely customers now and I’m looking forward to expanding my offer to them, as well as attracting new ones.”
The new venture, set to open with the same name in September, will serve speciality coffees and food including a modern-day brunch menu.
“We will have lots more speciality coffee options. Our current blend is very popular but I’ll be able to introduce single-origin coffees and different roasts and techniques such as pour overs,” said Jon, who is currently renovating the new premises.
“I want to encourage people to appreciate and explore more tastes, educating them along the way if they would like that.”
Piccoloco’s mobile coffee bar, pictured above, will continue to operate on the marketplace.
Jon and Ben are looking for a chef and baristas to join their new team. Anyone interested in finding out more should email [email protected]
