A former supermarket manager has realised what he describes as a “challenge and a dream” – by opening a new café in the premises he used to work as a teenager.
Roberto Figueira opened Coff•teria on Cattle Street around two weeks ago.
But the location was already familiar to him – not just in its previous incarnation as the beloved ‘Tony’s Café’, which he bought in December, but because he worked there when he was just 15 years old.
And that formative experience was one of the reasons that the former Co-op branch manager decided to take the leap and set up his own business.
“I have always liked this work, since I was an employee at Jim’s Café years ago,” he told Express.
“It was mixing a dream with a challenge. Why not? It’s always upbeat here.”
Mr Figueira explained that visitors will still be able to enjoy the same food and drink at his café as what was on offer at Tony’s, and that he had also aimed to keep the same prices.
However, he noted that, in future, customers may also see the addition of new options, such as paninis and wraps.
Another feature in common with Tony’s is the staff.
Roberto explained that he had kept the same team, who he commended for their positive attitudes, kindness and diligence.
So, what has changed?
“The café was old-fashioned, so I changed the interior quite a bit. I wanted it to have a lighter atmosphere,” Mr Figueira explained.
Coff•teria has been decorated with floristry and some features have been painted a light green to modernise the space.
“There is coffee everywhere – it is competitive, and you need to stand out,” he added, explaining that what he aimed to offer was: “Affordable pricing, nice food, and friendly service, in a lovely atmosphere.”
On the menu is a range of modern and classic Portuguese fayre – including Delta coffee and pastéis de nata custard tarts – as well as soups of the day, muffins and more, all made fresh that day.
But Mr Figueira added that one of his goals with the café is to bring all communities together, and not have it viewed as just a ‘Portuguese café’.
He said he wants all cultures to come together and feel welcome.
“I’m hoping to add more English dishes to the menu, but of course we have pastries, traditional Portuguese meals, and we also do some Latin food like empanadas. I try to keep the menu smaller to ensure better quality.
“I want to bring the communities together: English, Portuguese, Polish, every culture. I don’t want it to just be seen as a Portuguese café. We already have lots of cultures coming in, but that is my main goal.”
Since opening earlier this month, he said that business had been “steady”, and that they also had a group of “regulars, who we will see multiple times a day”.
“It’s busy all day, but especially before 8am, at lunch time, and the busiest time is after work from 4pm and 5pm,” he added.
“I want this to be a space where everyone can relax, have a chat, enjoy some food and coffee- in a nice environment.”
Coff•teria is open from 6am until 7pm Monday to Saturday.