A South Bristol restaurant and takeaway business has been given a boost with funding from the government- backed Start Up Loans scheme.
Owners Pegs Quinn and Mary Glynn have each been awarded a Start Up Loan through delivery partner SWIG Finance as their business has grown since it started last year.
The couple started the venture last March on a part-time basis, offering a small-scale artisan pizza and gelato takeaway service from their home.
Pegs is an experienced chef with 18 years’ experience, and Mary also has a background in hospitality, making them the dream-team for this foodie venture.
Initially trading as The Lockdown Pizza Company, Pegs and Mary soon gained a network of local, loyal supporters. As demand continued to grow, they took the leap and secured premises on Raleigh Road, Southville, moving the business onto a full-time footing with the help of a Start Up Loan.
As the business transitioned from a takeaway service into a fully-fledged restaurant, a second loan was then granted to enable the couple to invest in the bar and restaurant.
Named after their eldest son, Sonny Stores has been very well- received by the local community, with its Italian restaurant and takeaway service enjoying rave reviews.
As a true testament to their agility, the business has pivoted its business model several times to adapt to the changing restrictions.
When restrictions were eased following the second lockdown, Pegs and Mary decided to incorporate a shop and deli into their premises to ensure that their local community had easy access to vital essential products. A service hatch has enabled them to continue trading as a takeaway service during lockdown.
Now better times are in sight; improvements are being made to the kitchen and front of house space, and new staff are being taken on, which is such a good news story.
As the current lockdown phase begins to lift, the duo are very much looking forward to re-opening the business.
You can rest assured that they have taken precautionary measures to make their space a COVID safe environment, including specially made protective table dividers to help safeguard their customers.
Of the funding, Mary Glynn said “Starting this business has been a brilliant experience. It has helped to build my confidence in so many ways. Our business manager, Sarah, was thorough and clear, and she was supportive throughout the process”.
SWIG Finance’s business manager, Sarah Osborn, commented “Pegs and Mary have come a long way and have shown a very high level of commitment. It’s their sheer determination and focus alongside the outstanding quality of their food which has made this business the success it is today. The two- stage approach to funding has helped them test the market and grow their business with less risk.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to help aspiring businesses owners and early-stage businesses to get access to the finance and support they need to thrive and so I’m delighted that Start Up Loans has been able to support Pegs Quinn and Mary Glynn and play a part in the success of Sonny Stores”.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West.
We do this by providing support and finance to Start Ups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.
As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide start up loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have loans from £10,000 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/funds-available/
For an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 932.