The employee-owned health food cafe is the latest establishment in Cheltenham to cause a commotion, but for all the right reasons. Look out guys, because they’re aiming to change the world, one coffee at a time.
The mother watched her son like a hawk as he chose the biggest and best brownie available. The group of friends munched on their mushroom fritters as they chatted about anything and everything. The suited and booted man grabbed his latte and left, he stepped out of Kindness and Co grinning, knowing he’s made a difference in the world. As fast-food outlets continue to spread like wildfire, Carol Scott, owner of Kindness and Co, saw a gap in the market and claimed it as hers. Producing delicious and nutritious cuisine, she aims to help you help yourself, but she hasn’t stopped at food. At a time when plastic plagues our oceans, the poverty gap proceeds to grow and obesity becomes a daily obstacle, Cheltenham’s most acclaimed health-food café, is changing the world for the better.
In a mere 18 months, Kindness and Co have achieved 3,000 followers on social media, acquired five-star reviews and attracted celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Through their ethical and sustainable approach, this small cafe has made a big impact, and it’s all the in details. Kindness and Co’s menu changes every seven weeks to keep local produce at their fingertips, meaning their dishes and ever-changing and ever-creative. Their straws are also astonishingly made of vegetables, so they can be given back to earth once used. “People are delighted that they can come to us and have packaging that’s all compostable, recyclable and recycled” Scott stated in her cheerful Scottish accent. “People want to change and see good in the world”.
Much like John Lewis, Kindness and Co have made the cafe employee-owned. “The people who are closest to your customers are the ones best suited to saying what the company needs” Scott explained. “Everyone is responsible for the success or failure; if we are successful, they should share the financial benefits”. But the cafe’s compassion doesn’t stay in Cheltenham, part of the profits they receive funds essential educational programmes working with Plan International and Ethiopian Aid. “I believe we in the first world should share with those in the developing world” Scott stated with pride.
As more people embrace a sustainable lifestyle, Kindness and Co begun to host a variety of talks, events and activities. In the past, they’ve centred around nutrition, inspirational young women and ethical buying. “The type of customer we have is the type that wants to investigate ways to have a better lifestyle to look after the planet” mentioned Scott. “Everything’s either about doing something for yourself, to be proactive and motivational. Whether that’s in your mind, your body or things the environment and animal welfare”.
Instead of munching on mushroom fitters or choosing the best brownie, Kindness and Co aim to add more elements to their business that create positive outcomes. Publishing a series of books, creating a sustainable clothing line and reusable gift-cards are just a few. If you’re thinking about paying a visit, in Scott’s own words, “You can spend your money in the high street chains or you can spend your money in Kindness and Co and make a difference”.
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