BOSSES behind an independent café are ‘keeping positive’ in their search for a new Kendal premises after announcing departure plans.

Joey's Café first opened its doors at Castle Mills in August 2019 and remained open throughout the pandemic while most other places shut down, ramping up its hygiene and social distancing measures.

READ MORE: Joey's Café adapts successfully to benefit from 'unprecedented' levels of custom during pandemic

The café, which offers smoothies, coffee, salads and pizza, became a popular eatery in Kendal, establishing a loyal customer base in the community.

However, nearly three years since opening, boss Joe Beaumont said the café’s landlord Bowness Bay Brewing has decided to convert the space into an office -putting jobs at risk.

Undeterred, Joe is adamant on keeping Joey’s Café a thriving business in Kendal.

He said: “We opened in August 2019 with the idea to keep it going, which is what we plan on doing.

“The eviction news is a big blow to me and the team. I’ve been given very little notice and it has put five jobs at risk.”

Joe said the team was currently on the hunt for a perfect spot to re-locate to in Kendal.

“If we find the right spot we will move but we’re still on the lookout at the moment,” he said.

“We want to make sure we keep all the team on and will do everything we can to ensure they keep their jobs.

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“I’ll definitely take the staff with me to the next place. The business is my team, they are incredible.

“We work well together. I’m trying to do the right thing for them. They are wonderful. I will do anything I can to ensure they keep their jobs.”

Since announcing the departure news, the community has rallied around the café in the search for a new spot to open its doors.

“We’ve built up a good customer base here in Kendal and definitely want to stay here and find a bigger place,” Joe said.

“We’ve been getting lots of messages from people suggesting places for us to move to – everyone’s been great and wants to help which is lovely.

“It all comes down to the support from the community. Joey’s Kendal wouldn’t have been possible and we wouldn’t have been able to grow as we have.

“We’re staying positive and looking forward to the future.”

Bowness Bay Brewing was contacted for a comment but did not respond by the time this publication went to print.