Fed up with twiddling their thumbs during the first lockdown of 2020 Will France, along with his partner, Bethan Roberts decided to do something they always wanted to do and created a responsibly sourced grocery store.
Starting the venture online led to the October opening of a store in Heaton Moor – Bernie’s.
These successful entrepreneurs have now secured a second site in Altrincham just down from One Central in New Market Square in the centre of town. It has taken a 650 sq ft retail unit on 2 Central Way on a five year lease.
Will France, co-proprietor, Bernie’s. said, “It’s been a difficult time for all businesses, never mind a start-up. Weirdly the lockdowns added to the momentum of our business as peoples attentions were focused more on shopping local and cooking more at home. We’re massively proud of the last 12 months and being able to showcase the best indie suppliers and producers”.
The Altrincham shop has just opened, in an ideal location on the doorstep of Altrincham Market and we have brought some of our favourites with us including – freshly baked Indian Curry Pies from Patel’s, which have become a phenomenon all of their own, along with bagels from State Fayre and sourdough from Triangle Bake House. We are open Thursday to Sunday”.
Daniel Lee, managing director, Regional Property Solutions, who let the retail unit on behalf of a private pension, said, “Bernie’s was the perfect fit for this attractive unit, filling a niche in the market that complements the surrounding offerings”.
