Crewe woman living the 'dream' running her own community cafe
By Ryan Parker
2nd Apr 2024 | Local News
A Crewe woman is loving life running her very own community cafe in the town, after taking over a popular business this year.
Amy Heinemann, 22, has been operating The Pantree, The Precinct, Readesdale Avenue, since January 1 this year, employing five staff.
The Crewe-born resident had been working at the eatery for the past six years, since its inception, and snapped up the opportunity to take it on herself.
Serving breakfasts, lunches, desserts and hot and cold drinks, The Pantree uses all-fresh ingredients and holds up to 40 customers.
Amy told Nub News: "I have worked at The Pantree since I was 16. It had always been my dream to run my own cafe and I still can't believe it now.
"The opportunity recently came to run it at the beginning of the year, I thought 'this is what I want to do' and immediately went for it.
"I make all the cakes, quiches, soup and everything else. It keeps me busy. Everything here is fresh.
"This is a community cafe, the majority of people who come in do so everyday. We know what they are ordering when they walk through our doors.
"It is really nice here. Everyone gets on well and our small team is strong, we all work hard together and our customers notice that."
Amy was a pupil at Crewe's St Mary's Primary School and St Thomas More Catholic High School, before studying art at the town's Cheshire College - South & West.
After realising that wasn't the course for her, Amy switched to Reaseheath College to study the professional baking, patisserie and confectionary course.
From there, Amy went on to complete a degree in the subject and hasn't looked back.
Amy said:" The previous owner needed to spend more time with their family they asked whether I would be interested in taking it on and I then took over the reins.
"I have run The Pantree for one quarter of a year now and trade is going really well. I am still learning things everyday and thoroughly enjoying it.
"We are most popular for our breakfasts, which are served until 12pm.
"All of our meat is top quality, sourced from the local Stuart Palin Butchers.
"We are popular for our jacket potatoes, omelettes and quiches, which I am making two a day for at the moment.
"People like to come in for a chat with cup of tea or coffee, we also serve thick milkshakes and smoothies."
In March, The Pantree was handed a five-star food hygiene rating, which Amy is "very proud" of.
The business owner said: "It was a very strong five star rating. The inspector even crossed out the actions needed section, which was a big confidence boost for me.
"We have high standards here. Everything is done properly, all of our dates are correct and we never have any waste.
"In future, we are looking at opening on Sundays, which is currently the only day we are closed.
"Every week six or seven people ask us if we open then. I need a rest, but if we can get more staff on board it will happen.
"I love it here. I enjoy making all the fresh food, meeting our customers and baking all the cakes. Long may it continue."
The Pantree is open from 8:30am until 4:30pm (Monday to Friday) and 8:30am to 3:30pm (Saturday).
READ MORE: Crewe construction company offering 'cost-effective' maintenance for schools during holidays.
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