Charlie Day is co-owner of Grounded, a soon-to-open coffee bar in Norwich. Here, she explains how the new venture is quite the career change for her.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Charlie Day, Norwich born and bred. I’m ex cabin crew, having flown for KLM for 10 years, only stopping to have children. For the past 10 years I’ve worked for my family business, doing admin and marketing for a geologist firm based in Norwich. Co-owner to GROUNDED is my brother Simon Howland. He lives and works in London as a Fund Manager and will continue to do this.
When did you first of the idea of opening Grounded, and have you done anything like this before?
We have both considered owning/running a coffee shop over the years and have looked at various venues in and around Norwich, even going mobile during Covid. However, the time has never been quite right or the venue as perfect as the one we have on Unthank Road. So, when this opportunity presented itself, we snapped it up. It a total career change for me, however Si will continue to work in London and keep a check on the numbers.
What can you tell us about the coffee shop – and the coffee?
We are looking to provide a good all-round coffee at a good price! And we are currently in full swing with the building work – looking at the finished product being a light and comfortable environment for our customers.
Good name – who thought of it?
Si came up with the name. Obviously, we have the coffee connection with the grounded coffee beans, but also the fact I was cabin crew, and I am back “grounded” in Norwich.
We hear The Feed’s brownies might make an appearance on the counter?
Yes absolutely. We have had a chat with The Feed about supplying us with their brownies – and I’ve also sourced a local flap jack company. Plus, we’re looking into other suppliers for breakfast pastries and cakes.
When will Grounded open?
We don’t have an open date at the moment, as we are still a little way out with the building work, however we’d like to open for mid to late February. Keep an eye on our Instagram @grounded.coffee.bar for regular updates on the work!
What are your hopes and dreams for Grounded?
Our hopes and dreams are that it’s a popular and friendly coffee bar in the heart of a busy, bustling road in Norwich. Our vision is to be locally sourced with our products – keeping our fine city on the map so to speak!
Grounded, 119 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2PE. Visit @grounded.coffee.bar on Instagram.
Featured images – supplied
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