Scottish Enterprise Awards 2020

19 | Scottish Enterprise Awards 2020 Oct20529 Best Sweet & Savoury Bakery & Tea Room - Northern Isles & Emerging Rural Enterprise of the Year 2020 Proudly accredited with being “The Original Cake Fridge” and established in 2012, this unique concept consists of a roadside cake fridge which operates using an outdoor honesty system, where the public can access freshly made cakes and bakes, alongside locally sourced farm produce, crafts and gifts. Located on the single-track road between Voe and Aith on mainland Shetland, The Cake Fridge is the brainchild of local lady, Lynn Johnson. Accessible 24/7, 365 days a year Lynn explains that “the innovative idea has been copied multiple times across our islands and beyond. Thankfully, people continue to gravitate back to the Original and best. It’s definitely on most visitors “to do” list when visiting Scotland’s beautiful Shetland Islands.” Now Lynn has expanded her idea even further and finally realised her dream of opening a quaint and quirky tearoom in May 2019. Situated alongside The Cake Fridge, the tearoom has a firm ethos of providing a top-quality experience, superb customer service, and a vast range of Lynn’s famous handmade cakes and bakes. Described by visitors as “a jewel in Shetland’s crown”, the tearoom is now very well known and has seen its share of visitors from the world over who stopped by to take advantage of its wares. Lynn is convinced that, despite being its rural location off-the-beaten-track and on an island community, which in itself has its own challenges, Shetland is the perfect place for her business. “Scotland is a wonderful nation,” she enthuses. “People are very appreciative of homemade and home-grown produce and are supportive of each other. The wealth of produce that is available on our tiny islands and beyond really is astounding, coupled with the stunning landscape, it will always be a winner!” The Covid-19 pandemic has produced a significant surge in home bakers which, initially, created a real issue for Lynn regarding sourcing ingredients and equipment. “Lots of individuals started micro businesses from their homes,” she says. “Which in turn affects genuine businesses that are providing the same services.” But all was not lost as Lynn found that by adjusting her selling platforms to maximise sales during these challenging times, kept her business going and her dedicated staff team in employment. Customer care is paramount for Lynn and she looks for personable employees who have a similar outlook to herself and are able to engage with customers, providing in-depth knowledge of the Shetland Islands and the facilities and services offered there. “I need the team members to be able to multitask, although each can have a specialist field. But always someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about our business and produce.” Regarding the future, although Lynn has no immediate plans she has aspirations for collaborations with other local businesses as well as creating a more inclusive visitor experience from her tearoom. Life, it seems, is sweet! Contact: Lynn Johnson Company: The Cake Fridge Company Limited Inspirational eatery, The Cake Fridge, may operate in a small rural community, but business is big! We have a slice of cake and chat to owner Lynn Johnson about her innovative offering.