Local family-run cafe Georgie’s Diner has spoken about its homemade dishes and the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses.
The Liverpool cafe is run by Michael Schaefer and his partner, and first opened back in January 2019.
The pair had worked in the catering business for most of their lives, and decided it was time to put their knowledge together to open Georgie’s Diner.
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The diner offers a whole range of both healthy and traditional dishes, and most notably homemade treats.
Although the business is mainly run by Michael and his wife, overall it’s very much a whole family affair.
Michael explained the family ties in the name of the diner, telling the ECHO : “The name was inspired by my Grandad George who was my hero and who we sadly lost 10 years ago. He loved nothing more than a good fry up and big mug of tea!”
Not only is the diner family-led and named, but the menu is also a product of the couple’s other family members’ efforts.
George’s wife, dubbed ‘Nanna Betty’, bakes cakes for the diner to sell alongside its menu, while Michael’s mum has the winter months covered with homemade Scouse and casseroles.
Michael said: “Our ethos is to provide freshly cooked food at reasonable prices. We cook all our food to order and buy it all fresh locally.”
Originally located on Great Howard Street the diner was based at a small portacabin with just four tables, and limited kitchen space.
They still managed to build up a clientele of regular customers, and after over two years, decided to move to a larger premises with hopes of expanding the business.
However, moving in May 2021 proved difficult for the cafe as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
Michael added: “The pandemic has changed the business completely. We survived mainly on telephone orders. We signed up to Just Eat and Deliveroo even though we initially wanted to avoid this, because we like to use local businesses, but just to survive we had to.”
The couple were also hit with coronavirus themselves last month, leaving them no choice but to shut the diner for two weeks, and lose out on more business.
Even though now things have begun to get back to normal, Georgie’s Diner is struggling to build its local clientele back up.
Speaking of the current struggles they’re facing, Michael said: “Restrictions have seen the demand for deliveries decrease dramatically, and with moving premises, relying on walk-ins is challenging at the minute. This time of year is notoriously quiet anyway, so that isn’t helping.”
The pair hope business will begin to pick back up, and remain positive for the future of Georgie’s Diner.
Family remains more important than ever at the diner, as Michael explained: “We are lucky that we have a good family behind us. Everyone mucks in and helps when the going gets tough, it’s lovely to know they are there and willing to help. And when we have bad times together we also have good times. My Grandad George would’ve been so proud.”
Georgie’s Diner is located at 25-27 Sefton Street in L8, and is open Monday – Saturday.
The diner is available for both walk-ins, and deliveries, and can also be found on Just Eat.
To find out more about Georgie’s Diner, click here
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