A new amenity for Llandudno is open for business and will be formally launched on 21st July by Assembly Member, Janet Finch-Saunders. Caffi CAIS is located on the Mostyn Broadway coach park, following refurbishment of the old structure which had been unused for some years. Llandudno-based charity, CAIS, is behind the venture, which as well as providing a refreshment spot for residents and visitors, will offer employment and training opportunities for individuals recovering from problems with drugs and alcohol. Development of the site followed a successful bid to the Welsh Government Substance Misuse Action Fund, which was supported by both Conwy CBC and the Llandudno Town Council.
The café offers a range of freshly-prepared meals, snacks and drinks, and is already proving popular with both coach travellers and local residents. Under the supervision of experienced managers, staff undergo an intensive 13-week course in all aspects of retail catering, including food hygiene and preparation, health and safety, customer service and basic business skills. The aim is to enable trainees to hold down jobs in the many hotels and catering establishments in the area. The café will operate as a social enterprise and profits will be re-invested in client services.
CAIS Chief Executive, Clive Wolfendale, said “We are delighted to have the café up and running to meet the busy summer period. We have been able to revitalise a rather forlorn part of the coach park and offer a cheerful welcome for visitors to the town. The venue is already very busy and our cakes are simply the best! The project will enable individuals to develop the skills necessary to live lives away from benefits and dependency, and to become economically productive and self-sufficient. The staff are responding brilliantly to the opportunity. CAIS is very grateful to all the partner agencies who have made this project possible.”
The opening celebration will begin at 11.00 a.m. on 21st July and will feature a specially-commissioned balloon model and cake made by the team. Entertainment will be provided by members of the Llandudno Youth Theatre, whose production of Wiz opens at Venue Cymru that day.
