Social Bite chain opens fifth Scots shop

CHARITABLE sandwich cafe chain Social Bite has opened its fifth Scottish shop.

The Social Bite branch on Rose Street, Edinburgh. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The social enterprise has expanded into Aberdeen and the doors have now opened at the latest outlet on the city’s Union Street.

Social Bite, which donates all its profits to good causes, has pledged support for Aberdeen’s homeless community and is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The firm’s corporate catering arm will also be trading in the city and has already received its first orders from PwC, Pinsent Masons, Burness Paull and energy services giant Wood Group.

Founder Josh Littlejohn said: “We’ve wanted to come to Aberdeen for a long time now as there’s a definite appetite in the city for a different kind of catering, somewhere with great food and awesome coffee, but where the customers can feel good that the money they spend supports those in need.

“We just needed funding to make our venture a reality and thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery we’ve been able to get up and running.

“We’ve had so much interest from the local community with people wanting to work in the shop and we’re finally ready to roll out the Social Bite concept in the Granite City.”

Social Bite menus are designed by Michelin Star chef Mike Mathieson and a quarter of its staff are formerly homeless.

The chain also operates a “suspended” coffee and food programme whereby customers can pay for a hot drink or food for a homeless person.

The business has received high-profile support from Hollywood A-lister George Clooney, who will visit the Edinburgh store later this year, and businessman Sir Tom Farmer.

Mr Littlejohn added: “We’ve been pushing against an open door with our catering division as Scottish businesses generally want to do good and this is a really easy way to make a difference by switching their catering to a charitable contractor.”