An independent café in Nailsworth is marking five years in business after growing from a one-person takeaway coffee shop into a community hub employing around eight people.
Willow & Co opened at Wheelwrights Corner in August 2021. Owner Sally Norman initially ran the café alone from Wednesday to Sunday, with the business focused mainly on takeaway coffee.
Five years on, the café has expanded significantly and employs around eight members of staff, including Norman’s sister, Carolyn Hollis.
From takeaway coffees to a community hub
Norman said the café’s growth had been a major source of pride. She also highlighted the relationships Willow & Co has built with customers since opening.
“When we opened in August 2021, it was predominantly a takeaway coffee shop and it was just me working from Wednesday to Sunday. Five years on, we now have around eight members of staff, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
According to Norman, many customers have become familiar faces and friends, with the café sharing important moments in their lives.
“We’ve gained so many loyal customers and feel like we know so much about each other’s lives. We’ve celebrated some incredible milestones together – babies being born, weddings and so many other life-changing moments. Many of our customers have become friends.”
She said the support of people in Nailsworth had helped Willow & Co create what she described as a special local meeting place.
“We’re so grateful to the community for supporting us over the last five years and helping us create this special little corner in Nailsworth.”
What Willow & Co is planning next
The café’s anniversary comes with plans for further changes. Norman said the business hopes to introduce a couple of savoury options soon, while also expanding its programme of workshops.
Willow & Co is also considering hosting pop-up events in the future, giving the business further ways to develop its role in the community.
“We’re hoping to introduce a couple of savoury options very soon, expand our programme of workshops and we’re also looking at hosting some pop-up events in the future. It’s an exciting time and we’re looking forward to the next chapter.”
Willow & Co’s five-year milestone reflects its journey from a small takeaway operation to a larger independent café, with the business crediting local support for helping it reach the anniversary.
