Popular Morecambe eatery Rita’s Cafe has launched a crowdfunder in a bid to stay open – facing challenges in the face of rising costs.
Open for 38 years, close to the iconic Midland Hotel on Marine Road, the owners have poured their hearts into the cafe – and many regard it as the heart of Morecambe.
The cafe serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner alongside a selection of homemade desserts. Expect to find friendly service with loyal local clientele often filling the space. Prices are reasonable, making Rita’s accessible for everyone. With outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere, it’s not just a place for food, it’s a community hub.
“We understand how important we are to most of them,” say the team on the Rita’s Cafe GoFundMe Page, “and it would break our hearts to have to say goodbye.”
Like many small businesses, the cafe was badly impacted during the COVID pandemic, and rising costs haven’t helped, or lower footfall, in part because, some have suggested, it is a cash only operation, many now only used to paying by card for goods and services.
“Our main concern now is losing all our older customers that we have first thing every morning without fail and leave them without their daily safe space,” says the team, “a place for routine, peace conversation and connection.
“We understand how important we are to most of them and it would break our hearts to have to say goodbye.
“This business isn’t just only an income. It’s been a passion and built with care by our family over many years. We’re coming together now as a family to reach out to everyone for any help possible to help Lynn and Graham keep their journey going for as long as they can and also for Rita’s legacy to stay alive, as most of our customers will remember how much she loved it.”
Supporters have already donated over £1000 toward the cafe’s £1300 goal, for which the owners are very grateful.
• If you can help, the GoFundMe Page is here
Or, why not grab a bite and a drink there? Rita’s Cafe is at 200 Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4BU, close to the Midland Hotel and Festival Market | ritascafe.shop