Fleetwood-based family man has realised his lifelong ambition to run his own eatery after opening new café.
Dan Waring has opened @Katie’s at the Affinity Lancashire Shopping Village creating 10 new jobs.
Dan, a trained chef, has previously worked in hotels and restaurants across the UK and USA. After recently recovering from a life-threatening illness, Dan decided it was time reconsider his business dream.
Dan said: “It was always my lifelong dream to run my own business so when I was given the all clear on my health it made me think, do it now and get on with it, so with the support and encouragement from my wife Lindsay, I did.”
Wanting it to be a true family business, Dan named the café after their daughter, Katie, and the selection of desserts after son Josh. His wife Lindsay manages the front house. The café decor is inspired by Katie’s love for dance and musical theatre.
Dan added: “The shopping village location offers regular and mixed clientele. We have retired people popping in throughout the day and there’s always a host of parents that call in after the morning school run. Our location with outdoor seating offers easy access for all customers, so we really can cater for everyone.
“Wherever possible we will be using local suppliers and artisan techniques to evoke the true meaning of a local café.”
Dan has been supported in his new venture by the team at Blackpool-based accountants MHA Moore and Smalley who reviewed Dan’s company formation and advised him on personal tax and corporation tax as well as assisting with VAT registration for the business.
Further advice included tax efficient remuneration for employees and advice on dividends. MHA Moore and Smalley also assisted with the setup of QuickBooks including a payroll process for Dan to use in the day-to-day running of the café.
Darren Pilkington, corporate services manager at MHA Moore and Smalley said, “We’d previously helped Dan with his tax returns and assisted him in the sale of a property, so, he turned to us for advice and support when he decided to set up the café business.
“Dan has a very modern approach to running his business, using iPads to take orders and managing till takings linked directly back to his accounting system using cloud technology.
“We will continue to support Dan as @Katie’s becomes established in the area and no doubt a firm favourite with the locals.”
Dan added: “The location at Affinity is perfect for the café. It’s been a very positive move. We are very busy despite being open only a few weeks. It’s a different experience to working in the kitchen in large hotels and it’s great to be out front with my wife Linsday, talking to the customers.”
