A popular cafe in Oldham town centre is "proud and delighted" to have been nominated for a national award.
Rhode Island Coffee in Spindles Shopping Centre has been at the heart of Oldham for more than 15 years and could now be recognised for its mix of of friendly staff, great coffee and loyal customers.
The cafe has been nominated in the national UK's Favourite Local Business.
Founded by Raj Ruia in 2004, Rhode Island Coffee is a family run, independent chain of coffee shops with eight locations in the North West, including the one in Oldham.
Mr Ruia said: “Our Oldham coffee shop is at the centre of the community and has been for 15 years. We’re located right at the entrance to The Spindles Shopping Centre, a central meeting point for friends, and a place for people looking for a bit of me-time. People can lead busy and difficult lives and time out for themselves is vital to their wellbeing.”
Rhode Island Coffee is part of the newly introduced Oldham Gift Card, introduced by Oldham Council to lock spend into the community and support encourage residents to shop local.
Mr Ruia said: “There is a real sense of community in Oldham that you sometimes don’t see in other towns or cities and it has a strong commercial offer. It also benefits from lots of office workers which has a positive impact on footfall.
"Consumers like to support local businesses now, and we’re part of the Oldham Gift Card because it’s a community initiative that enables people to experience a variety of local businesses.
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“We’re proud and delighted to be nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business which is testament to our incredibly loyal customers.”
Mr Ruia set up Rhode Island Coffee after living in Paris as he "wanted to bring the coffee house vibe to the UK but with an American twist".
Rhode Island Coffee uses a unique blend of beans from around the world, all ethically sourced, and made using top of the range coffee machines, with the product able to be enjoyed from a relaxing and cosy cafe.
Mr Ruia said: “Coffee is a part of people’s daily routines nowadays, it’s the modern day pub. People are drinking more coffee now from a younger age, and they are being more experimental with their coffee. Even with cost of living squeezes, a coffee remains an affordable luxury.”
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Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah said: “Local businesses are the foundation of our community. Initiatives like the Oldham Gift Card and UK’s Favourite Local Business competition reinforce the importance of these local businesses to our town, and the positive impact they have.
“Rhode Island really is the heart of Oldham – it always has a fabulous buzz and you’re always greeted with a smile to go alongside their fantastic home-made cakes, excellent coffee and a menu that always satisfies. They deserve to pick up this award.”
Shops, restaurants, salons, hotels and attractions in Oldham, and across the UK, are all eligible to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2024, sponsored by Miconex, with people able to nominate their favourite local business in the competition free at lovelocalwin.co.uk giving the name of the local business they think deserves to win and a reason.
The UK’s Favourite Local Business will be the business who has the most nominations and will win a £500 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Oldham Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winning business receiving a £1000 Town & City Gift Card.
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