“One of the most important things is to support your local businesses” – Treehouse Cafe owners reflect on running micro-business during a pandemic

By Reanne Donkor on 25th May 2021 in Back In Business, Business, Retail & Business

Thirsty and hungry customers have been flocking back to an independent coffee shop in Lower Broughton in the week since the Government restrictions on eating inside pubs, restaurants and cafes were lifted.

Eliška Krutilová and Linda Hnízdová, co-owners of The Treehouse Cafe, on Lower Broughton Road, are delighted to be back serving homemade fresh food and drinks, including plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Eliška says: “Linda and I are from the Czech Republic. Linda has worked as a chef in a few restaurants and bistros in Manchester over the years and I used to work as a barista in Pret a Manger.

“I found a job at The Treehouse where I worked my way up to become a manager under the owner at the time.

“The owner was looking to sell so I brought Linda in to work with us and they could see that we both had a passion for running our own cafe and offered the opportunity to us. It all started from there really.”

After having to close in March 2020, Eliška and Linda took over when they were able to reopen in July and were delighted with the amount of custom they received. During the lockdowns that followed, The Treehouse Cafe has run a takeaway and delivery service.

“The custom we gained over the Summer months was what kept us alive as a business and allowed us to survive the coming months of lockdowns. We are really grateful for that,” Eliška explains.

“We have just experienced our first week of being able to fully open again, indoors and outdoors and it was amazing. We could finally see our regular customers as well as welcome new ones.

“Now we are just waiting for the nicer weather to come along so we can offer our outdoor seating area too.

“At this moment in time, one of the most important things is to support your local businesses. Please go out and try to support them by buying their coffee, food or any other goods.

“The people who have small businesses are working extremely hard and appreciate every person they are able to serve.”

An infographic showing the importance of micro-businesses: