Entrepreneurs bring locally-sourced delicatessen to York

A FAMILY run delicatessen and coffee bar has opened up in York with the help of business development specialists, Business Support York & North Yorkshire.

Bakes & Co. which is based at 78-80 Gillygate, York launched in September and mainly serves sandwiches, cakes and street food specials made from locally-sourced produce.

After owning and managing a vegetarian café in Scunthorpe, founder of Bakes & Co, Liz Bakes was looking to fulfill her long-awaited ambition of starting her own Cafe/Deli.

She said: “I wanted to wait until I found the right premises and whilst York has many food outlets I feel there is still room for more that offer something a little different, combining quality local products with excellent customer service at a fair price.”

While on the hunt for a suitable premises, Liz started baking her own products for sale in markets and festivals. However, she soon realised there were gaps in her business knowledge and skills and so she turned to BSYNY for support and guidance.

Liz was encouraged to apply for access to the Regional Growth Fund Start & Grow programme which provides three-year’s pre & post start business support worth up to £5000 and this in turn facilitated access to low-cost funding via the Start Up Loan company and local Whyte Knight Fund.

“Now the doors are open and they have a wide range of products including locally produced artisan bread, quality pies, (some people come just for those!), specialist home-produced sandwiches, cakes & pastries.

“Add sourdough pizzas (fresh daily) and excellent coffee in a friendly, relaxing eat-in or take-away experience with local artwork on the walls and wi-fi to boot and you have Bakes & Co.” She added.

The Cafe/Deli also offers various meats, cheeses and luxury goods for customers to take home.