Customers of the recently closed Coalpot Cafeteria are finding their way back to the restaurant after two former employees reopened the entity in Carmichael Street.
On March 5, the fires went out at Coalpot's Hinck Street spot due to financial difficulties and declining business, among other factors. It was the end of some twenty years in business.
Now Clint Bailey, co-owner of the new Coalpot and his partner Rahim Bacchus will try to better the restaurant's standards while maintaining the traditionally accepted service that goes with the name. Combined, the co-owners have 19 years of service at Coalpot.
The same furniture and kitchen equipment from the cafeteria's last location is in place. Customers can also dine on the restaurant's porch at the new location.
With the re-opening, nine of the 25 employees are back at work and others are expected to come on board once business picks up. The official opening was on October 7 after a considerable wait for approval. Both Bacchus and Bailey pooled their resources to restart the business and did not seek bank financing.
Former owner Clairmont Lye, who operated the cafeteria for 20 years told Stabroek Business that his advice to the duo was to maintain the Coalpot standards. "I expect them to do much better," he says, adding that one complaint from customers previously was the lack of parking space. "I do wish them all the very best."
Bailey says although this will be his first opportunity to manage a business he is up to the challenge. This includes paper work which comes with owning your own business such as sorting out payments for the National Insurance Scheme.
Pleas from frequent diners at Coalpot, persuaded the duo to reopen the restaurant more than any other factor. Bailey says people would approach him on the street and implore him to reopen.
"The six months that we closed was like a year for them." Bailey says they will continue to cater for the working people.
In terms of the menu no changes were made and the Coalpot special is still the highest priced meal at $1000. Coalpot also plans to have a $300 package for students as Bishops' High School is located across the road.