Popular Aberdeen café chain Grub Fresh Food has relocated their small flagship Spital branch to a larger site across the road from the original, by purchasing and refurbishing a derelict furniture store.
The first Spital café had room for just four small tables, with limited standing room. The café often became overly crowded at lunchtimes, and queues often overflowed outside onto the pavement. Across the road, a former branch of Contract Furnishings Aberdeen had been standing empty for several months, with no offers from potential buyers.
When the lease at the small café ended this summer, owner Stuart Ross spied an opportunity to expand his shop, while remaining virtually next door. The corner site is a prime location for tapping into the student market of the University of Aberdeen, and the new store can seat up to 40 people.
“When I realised that the space across the road was available to lease, I immediately saw the potential to create a different kind of store and accommodate more sit-in customers. We managed to refurbish and refit the space in a matter of just weeks over the summer, and we opened it just in time for the busy Freshers week period in September”, said owner Stuart Ross, a former University of Aberdeen student.
Stuart wanted to inject some character into the larger space, keeping in line with the modern, quirky interiors in his two other Grub branches. Exposed granite walls were installed alongside hanging speakers, and cast iron chairs were placed at rustic wooden benches. Purpose-built wooden barrels were brought in to form tables, while others were placed on their sides and cut out to create a unique way to display products such as crisps and popcorn. Lightbulb ‘chandeliers’ were then hung from the shops high ceilings, and mock turf was laid on the floor.
While the appearance of the Spital Grub has changed enormously, the menu remains exactly the same. Stuart commented, “Since moving to our new site, we have noticed a massive increase in sales, and our customer base has expanded, too. It is now a much more family friendly spot, and people tend to spend longer in our café, whereas before, we weren’t able to accommodate many customers.”
Having established his successful business after graduating in 2011, entrepreneur Stuart has since opened two further stores in prime locations – on Schoolhill in the city centre, and at the Bridge of Don Energy Hub business park. He now employs 33 members of staff across his three branches, many of whom are students. While paninis have always been synonymous with the Grub name, the cafes also produce a range of toasted wraps, baguettes, salads and coffees – all available to sit-in or take-out.
The new Spital branch can be found at 148 Spital, AB24 3HX.