EX-STAFF at a collapsed popular cafe and delicatessen in Earlsdon have opened a new tearoom a few doors away after being re-paid thousands of pounds owed to them.
We revealed the crisis in July as Kendall’s of Earlsdon went into voluntary liquidation after its sudden closure.
Around 14 ex-staff – owed a collective £28,000 – were left reliant on the government’s insolvency service to be reimbursed.
Liquidator Tauseef Rachid from Nottingham-based Kingsland Business Recovery was appointed to oversee the wind-up which began officially on July 20, according to Companies House.
It is now believed most staff members have received the money owed – with only two still expecting compensation.
We spoke with former employees Emily and Andrea Kemp in July who told us they were owed pay and pension payments to the tune of £2,400 and £7,000 respectively.
The pair initially attempted to buy Kendall’s, on Earlsdon Street, from its then director Debbie Evitts but were unsuccessful.
Now they have fulfilled a lifelong dream by striking a deal with the owners of Lucia’s Vintage Tearoom and Deli to take over the business.
The family renamed the business ‘Emily’s’ and has employed seven of the 14 members of former Kendall’s staff.
Emily said: “It’s quite bittersweet really. The situation at Kendall’s pushed us to do what we have wanted to do for a long time because we were too comfortable.
“All the staff are really happy here. Our customers have all followed us. It’s been really, really nice and we have had a lot of support.
“We have been able to make it into what we have always wanted.
“We have a big garden which we want to eventually develop, we want to start doing evenings and Sunday dinners as well as outside catering and deliveries.”
Kendall’s cafe – as it has long been popularly known – was an Earlsdon landmark and has since been refurbished.
The cafe’s insolvency proceedings went ahead despite the premises (and associated flats and land) being sold for £400,000 to associates of Coventry councillor Rois Ali at an auction at the Villlage Hotel in May.
The building was sold by Mrs Evitts’ partner and former Royal Oak pub owner Ramon Evitts, according to Loveitts estate agents.
Coun Ali – the Labour city councillor, former restaurateur and businessman/landlord who owns premises to many Coventry restaurants and takeaways, some which have been in breach of planning consent – told us in July he was helping the undisclosed ‘new owners’ of the premises in an advisory capacity.
Those concerned about the fate of Kendall’s have noted that it still stands vacant.
It remains unclear whether it will re-open as a cafe.
We have contacted Mrs Evitts for a comment.
