The coffee house has multiple stores in the North West including Altrincham, Oldham and Stockport
A popular coffee shop in Oldham could receive a prestigious award after serving the community for 15 years. Rhode Island Coffee in Spindles Shopping Centre has been nominated for the UK’s Favourite Local business competition.
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 in Altrincham, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Crewe, Oldham, Stockport and Warrington.
Raj set up the company after spending some time in Paris and wanting to import the coffee house culture into the UK. Offering some insight into the brand’s success, Raj said: “When I set up the business after many years living in Paris, I wanted to bring the coffee house vibe to the UK but with an American twist. Going back 20 years in the UK and barista made coffee and café culture wasn’t as prevalent as it is today.
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“Our coffee uses a unique blend of beans from around the world, all ethically sourced, and made using top of the range coffee machines, creating world class coffee. The shops are cosy and warm – a place to relax and indulge.
“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.”
Raj said the company was a pioneer of quality coffee and café culture: “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 ‘shop local’.
Raj said the gift card taps into consumer desire to support local businesses: “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.
“We’re proud and delighted to be nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business which is testament to our incredibly loyal customers.”
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 right across the UK– are all eligible to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2024 sponsored by Miconex. People can nominate their favourite local business in the competition free by visiting this website, 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.
Businesses can find out more about the competition online.
Fintech Miconex, founders of the Town & City Gift Card concept, is sponsoring the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2024. Over 20,000 local businesses are part of Miconex’s local gift card programmes around the world with over £30m spent locally through the cards.
Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: “Rhode Island is an example of a home-grown UK business that is continuing to grow and develop by playing an active role in their community and differentiating their brand through product and service. The value that local businesses bring to our towns and cities shouldn’t be underestimated. Please keep on voting for your Favourite Local Business.”
Enter the UK’s Favourite Local Business competition for free here. The competition closes on the 31st October 2024.
