‘People kept asking for organic halloumi salads’ - health-conscious Bristolians force change at greasy spoon

A cafe owner says the fry up is dying and he had to modernise his ‘greasy spoon’ - as customers are now too healthy for them.

Suat ‘Sam’ Tezgel, 49, says after years selling bacon and eggs there is less love for them - and people want ‘’organic halloumi salads’’.

He has now closed his Bonnies cafe in Bristol - and opened a Mediterranean Laila Café-Bar-Restaurant in its place.

Sam says he had to modernise and give us place a makeover - to fit with current trends and tastes.

He still serves some cooked breakfasts but also a more healthy range of options.

Sam said: “Everyone seems to want more fresh ingredients and new recipes.

“People kept asking for organic halloumi salads - something had to change.

“When I came to the UK in 1996 I’d never heard of gluten-free or vegan food, everyone wanted a fry up.

“We have lots of new customers, particularly in the evenings to try our new more healthy and natural menu.

“They are a bit ‘posher’ and wealthier, and they like the new atmosphere and cocktail menus and fresh ingredients.’’

Having struggled with a loss of 80 per cent of his sales during the pandemic, Sam realised that something needed to change.

Since re-opening, his business has picked up significantly, serving his traditional regular customers in the morning and new ‘posh’ clients wanting to see what is different.

Sam said that the change ‘had to happen’ as despite having loyal local customers who love to see the new changes, and also still get their fry ups, business just wants growing anymore.