Warwick cafe owners celebrate 'incredible and challenging' first year

The owners of a cafe in Warwick are celebrating what they say has been an incredible and challenging first year in the town.

On Saturday (September 19) Jack Linstead and Michelle Matthews, owners of Jack's Shack in Jury Street celebrated the cafe's one year anniversary.

The official anniversary date is September 21 but the pair celebrated over the weekend with a visit from the Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Terry Morris.

Speaking about their first year in business, Jack said: "It's been an incredible year, in many ways. Certainly not one you could ever have a business plan for.

"It's certainly been a challenge but with the local support, and willingness to adapt, we've had a wonderful first year.

"It was the wettest winter on record, with three storms in one month, and then Covid.

"The local support though has been incredible, both from local residents and businesses. We have been overwhelmed by the support.

"I remember the day in March when the Government said all coffee shops had to close their doors, it was a really emotional day, but then when we looked into the detail, we went to delivery only the very next day.

"This was a hectic and brilliant time in many ways. "

The pair's deliveries during lockdown was a big hit on social media, with their customers coming up with unique ways to pay with contactless methods.

Jack added: "Seeing what those deliveries meant to so many people in lockdown, when they couldn't see friends and family members.

"We did many deliveries on behalf of other family members.

"And then there was the humour that developed with our contactless payments, which ranged from mops to cuddly toys on zip wires for making the contactless payments.

"We've had great fun doing our morning videos every day.

"Some days we're getting more than 2,500 views on Facebook."

Jack also said that the community have been very supportive.

He said: "It's then been great to get people back out in our garden in the Shack, all socially distanced of course.

"Now we'll see what the winter has in store."

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the local people, whether workers or residents, for their ongoing support.

"We wanted to bring a new experience to Warwick, with some fabulous tastes and flavours, and it's a pleasure to see people embracing that."

Warwick Mayor, Cllr Terry Morris said: "It was a real pleasure to help Jack and Michelle celebrate the first birthday of Jack’s Shack on Saturday.

"What they’ve achieved in their first 12-months is incredible.

"Many of Warwick’s wonderful independent businesses have shown great initiative during the coronavirus pandemic by adapting to meet the needs of their existing customers as well as coming up with creative ways to get new customers.

"With their daily Facebook videos, home deliveries and fun ways of collecting contactless payment, Jack and Michelle have brought a smile to many peoples faces.

"Well done both on a great first year and I wish you every success for many more years to come."