News | Posted 24 April 2024
Happy first anniversary to Social Bite Glasgow!
This week we’re celebrating ‘turning one’ by acknowledging the team behind the coffees, and the incredible generosity of customers who both buy their beverages and pay it forward.
Constant kindness
Social Bite in Glasgow opened its doors in Buchanan Galleries on Sauchiehall Street on 27 April 2023. “I was so nervous!” recalls Amanda Traill, Head of Operations for Social Bite’s coffee shops.
“But I was excited too, especially to welcome a brand-new team to Glasgow – it was great to share the story of Social Bite with them. And when the doors finally opened, the team went from strength to strength.”
Since opening, Glasgow has provided an incredible 21,823 meals for people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness. And that’s possible because of the generous donations of our amazing supporters, including more than 6,000 people who chose to pay it forward in Glasgow in the last year.
Commercial Operations Director Mel Swan explains: “it’s the constant kindness of people – especially in winter when it’s dark. Before the shop’s even open, they come in and pay it forward on their way to work.”
These donations mean a huge amount to the local community. “Social Bite has done so much for me I don’t know where I would be without it. I love this group and sitting round a table with others being able to talk over a coffee and a sandwich,” said one attendee of Glasgow Women’s Group.
Something to look forward to
It’s not just our coffee shop customers who are so generous. We work with some great businesses who donate their services, products and time to the movement to end homelessness. For instance, we’re lucky to have the Glasgow coffee shop in such a brilliant location thanks to our good friends at Buchanan Galleries.
This weekend, to mark Pay It Forward day on 28 April, our wonderful coffee supplier Matthew Algie has generously donated 1,000 cups of their delicious filter coffee for our free food services across Scotland. That’s equivalent to two weeks of coffee at breakfasts, suppers and afternoon scran, which can be a lifeline for some of our guests. “I look forward to this service all day as it’s a good cup of coffee, good food and friendly service,” said one.
Paul Chadderton, Managing Director at Matthew Algie, said: “This donation will help kick off conversations that can make a difference, as well as providing a moment of enjoyment at a difficult time for those the charity supports. We want to highlight the importance of Paying It Forward to people across Scotland. A small gesture can make a huge difference to those who need it most.”
What better way to mark 365 days of great coffee, delicious food and customers’ generosity! You can also wish the Glasgow shop happy birthday by popping in to pay it forward in store, or by donating online.