News / Friska
Popular Bristol cafe chain sold to new owners
A Bristol group of cafes hit hard by the pandemic has been sold.
But the Friska name will continue under the new owners, while Friska co-founders Griff Holland and Ed Brown will also be operating two of the current Friska sites under a new brand.
The new cafe called Double Puc will open in previous Friska locations on the ground floor of the Eye tower on Temple Quay and at the headquarters of nearby OVO Energy.
Writing on LinkedIn, Holland said: “Growing any business is a challenge and the past year has certainly tested our resilience. However, our abiding memories and emotions are that of great fun and tremendous pride in what we’ve helped start and nurture.
“We’re delighted that we were able to create a welcoming and homely place for you to almost call your own, and we hope that your visits to Friska were a happy highlight of your 9-5 (remember those!).”
He added: “After 11 years and 10 months at the helm, our time at Friska has come to an end. Fortunately for the stores and our colleagues, Friska will continue and their jobs will be safe under new ownership.”
Friska co-founder Griff Holland (right) helping out at Square Food during the pandemic – photo: Square Food
The business model of Friska was very much to cater to office workers so when people started working from home, the cafes were forced to close and have not yet reopened.
Founded on Victoria Street in 2009, Friska soon expanded across Bristol and further afield to Manchester and Birmingham.
Thirty-five Friska staff will continue working for the new owners.
Friska’s two co-founders have taken on two of the current sites in Bristol which will reopen under a new name – photo: Martin Booth
Joint administrator for Mazars, Mark Boughey, said: “Whilst the hospitality and retail sector continues to experience challenges, due to Covid, we hope that the government’s recent announcement and the lifting of restrictions on July 19 will enable the business to reopen and thrive under new ownership, safeguard the jobs of employees and retain tenants for local landlords.
“We also wish the Friska co-founders Griff and Ed well with their new venture and every success for the future.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Friska: stronger than ever 10 years on
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