Anna-Marie takes over Sevenoaks café and gives it a bright new look
THOSE of a certain age will remember an old TV advert featuring a businessman called Victor Kiam who owned Remington Razors. The famous tagline on the ad was: “I liked the shaver so much I bought the company.”
It seems Anna-Marie Schwodler has had the same experience. After more than six years working for the former Buffet Express Café at 14 South Park, Sevenoaks, she grabbed the opportunity to take over the premises when the owner decided to call it a day.
Anna-Marie, who also lives in Sevenoaks, has revamped the interior and exterior and has opened up as The Café and Sandwich Bar.
She said: “I really like Sevenoaks and the people in the town. The previous owner of Buffet Express had lost a bit of interest in the place and it needed doing up, but I recognised the potential it still had so have given it a makeover.”
Despite the café being closed for a while during the refurbishment, Anna-Marie’s efforts are already being rewarded as many of the former café’s customers have returned and new ones have started coming through the door.
She has plenty of experience in catering and hospitality having worked at top venues such as Ascot and Henley and was also a cabin crew member with Monarch Airlines. One of the reasons Anna likes the café is because, even though she has regular customers, every day tends to be different.
She said: “The café attracts plenty of early morning trade from local workers, tradesman and staff at the Post Office which is right opposite. But as well as a take-away service we also have a handful of tables and chairs. The sit-down service has proved to be particularly popular with mothers and babies who just need somewhere relaxing and quiet to sit while they enjoy a cuppa or a bite to eat.”
The Café and Sandwich Bar can also provide outside catering for private events both large and small. One of her popular services with local companies is the business breakfast she provides as these customers particularly like the fact she can provide a delicious spread including filtered coffees.
Pop in to see Anna-Marie at the new look Café and Sandwich Bar in South Park or if you would like to discuss some outside catering you can call her on: 01732 605669