Save Samuel Pepys Cafe Launceston

Samuel Pepys Cafe' was born out of a dream to create a special place where people could linger. It's eclectic non-pretencious, mix-matched style helps to disarm customers, inviting them to drop their guard and relax. The food is made fresh, and utilises home-style flavours and dishes. It is currently open 7 days a week for all day breakfast, lunch and cakes and is becoming a serious player in the Launceston Cafe' scene. Much of the credit for this comes from the owners decision to only offer food that is 100% gluten free. Having had no experience with this type of cooking it came as a surprise when people began to rave about the flavour of the dishes. Owner Daniel explains, "I just cooked it the way I like it. Somebody must have forgotten to tell me gluten free was meant to be bland and flavourless."

Through much expereminting and hard work, Samuel Pepys Cafe has been able to bring choice back to people who suffer with gluten intolerance. Through equally hard work the owners have created a business model that proves there is a strong market for a business that puts the needs of it's customers first in every way. So successful has this model proven, that Samuel Pepys Cafe'now employs over 10 staff. Infrastructure has also increased to meet the demand of customers and the cafe' now offers seating for 50 guests. Various equipment upgrades have also been necessary, including a new oven, dishwasher, shelving and a computerised point of sale. It is a far cry from opening day March 5th 2014 when the days turn-over was $22!



Much of the success can be attributed to the community of customers that has arisen to support it. For gluten intolerant people, Samuel Pepys Cafe'is much more than a comfortable place to eat; it is a place that they can be proud to bring their gluten tolerant friends to. Through the experiences of listening to customers the owners have found a unique connection whereby the business provides a special service to it's customers. In bringing choice back, they have created a place where the whole family can eat, as often as they like!



Another key to the business success is the Bunsky Roll. This beautiful gluten free delight has brought flavour to the lips of thousands of people. Made locally at Sky Ranch Bakehouse, a dedicated gluten free bakery, it accounts for 1/3 of all business done through the cafe. By working closely with the baker, they have been able to reproduce this roll in various forms, each providing a unique dining experience, however,Daniel believes the potential of this product is yet to be tapped. Future plans include baking on-site and being the first baker to offer fresh, never frozen, bunsky rolls, 7 days a week. For gluten intolerant people, the opportunity to eat a soft, fresh, healthy bread any day they choose is something they had given up on.



While many menu choices are also dairy-free the future of the business will also see development of diabetes friendly food options. 



So why do they need your help? The owners of Samuel Pepys Cafe'have always sought to build community. They hope that the help the business needs to move forward will come from those who connect with their ethos. They require $30,000 to put the business into a positive cash-flow situation. "We never expected this growth,"says Daniel, "We had $500 to our name when we opened our doors. The accountant assures us that we have made a profit but everything has gone back into the business and there is nothing left to move the business forward." Without help, it is likely that the business will struggle to capitalise on the infrastructure spending of the past year. Put simply, they have spent to provide tables/chairs for more people, but without your help they may not be able to afford to service those tables. Funds raised will be used to clear debt and establish a positive cash-flow situation. Daniel believes that any future infrastructure purchases will be small although he has stated that $2500 would be set aside for purchasing a planetary mixer. This would enable them to mix and bake commercial quantaties of the beautiful Bunsky roll and grow a fresh bread market. 
Please consider helping this emerging business that is changing the lives of so many people everyday.