REDEMPTION Coffee and Kitchen have hit the ground running in their first week of opening, with returning customers, queues out of the door and more than 40 five-star reviews online.
Redemption has been a project brewing for more than 12 months for owner Matt Whitehead, after buying the empty premises on Chapel Street in late 2020.
With 10 years of experience working on "super yachts" and subsequently in property development, Matt felt that the building, tucked away from the high street in Tyldesley, was the perfect place to begin a new adventure and open a high-end coffee house.
Describing himself as a “people person” who loves to graft, Matt spent a year stripping the premises to fulfil his vision, while building a team full of qualified professionals around him.
After all the finishing touches were complete, Redemption finally opened their doors on Wednesday, January 19.
Speaking about their first week in operation, Matt said: “I’m not going to lie, I was petrified when we were first opening - thinking people weren’t going to come in, won’t get the concept or won’t know where we are.
“But we’re already seeing regular customers, with some people coming back multiple times and bringing their family members along to show what we have on offer.”
The theory behind Redemption, Matt explained, is to bring a “city centre vibe” to the local community - offering speciality coffee, loose leaf tea, a fresh brunch menu and great customer service to the people of Tyldesley.
Customers seem to be responding well to the business model so far, with the team “amazed” at how many coffee and brunch lovers have walked through their doors.
Living a few streets away from the coffee house, Matt senses a real community buzz around the business at present, with many residents excited about the investment and wishing them to succeed.
However, he noted the important caveat that the public “vote with their pound”.
He explained: “People love to support independent businesses, but they aren’t stupid.
“You need to show people respect and have quality products that are up to high standards. People work hard to earn their money and we want them to spend it with us, so we have got to step up to the plate.”
With a “very busy” first week and reams of positive feedback under their belt, the business’ focus is now on learning what works and what the public want to see more of.
Matt added: “At the minute everything’s top-notch, everyone’s been positive online, and our plates are empty […] and now we just want more eyes on us - which will also help the area.”
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