A Turkish restaurant, Longa, founded by sisters Gizem Yorgun and Simge Yalcin, has recently expanded with a new venue in Cardiff city centre. This exciting development not only showcases the rich flavours of Turkish cuisine but also creates 16 new jobs in the local community.
Key Takeaways
- Longa, established in 2019, has opened a second location in Cardiff.
- The new restaurant on Park Place can accommodate 100 guests and features an all-day breakfast menu.
- The expansion was supported by a £120,000 finance package from BCRS Business Loans.
- The restaurant aims to provide an authentic Turkish dining experience to Cardiff residents.
The Journey of Longa
Longa began its journey in the Whitchurch area of Cardiff, where it quickly gained popularity for its authentic Turkish dishes. The sisters, Gizem and Simge, were later joined by actress Pinar Ogun in 2023, further strengthening the leadership team.
The new Park Place location is designed to cater to both breakfast and evening diners, offering a diverse menu that highlights the best of Turkish cuisine. The restaurant’s opening is a testament to the sisters’ dedication and passion for their culinary heritage.
Financial Support and Growth
To realise their dream of expansion, the Longa team sought financial assistance due to rising construction costs. They secured a £120,000 finance package from BCRS Business Loans, part of the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales. This support was crucial in overcoming the financial hurdles they faced during the expansion process.
Simge expressed gratitude for the assistance, stating, "When we saw the space on Park Place, we knew it was perfect, but with spiralling costs, we needed further support to realise our dreams."
Community Impact
The opening of Longa’s new restaurant has already made a significant impact, with over 300 covers served in just the first weekend. The team is excited to welcome more guests and share their culinary creations, which they believe will resonate with the local community.
Pinar shared her enthusiasm, saying, "It’s pretty amazing to sit back and watch their reactions, all the while knowing we created that plate." The restaurant aims to provide not just food but an experience that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Turkish culture.
Supporting Women-Led Businesses
BCRS Business Loans has highlighted the importance of supporting women and ethnic-led businesses. Niki Haggerty-James, the business development manager at BCRS, praised Longa for its unique contribution to Cardiff’s dining scene. She stated, "Longa is fantastic, and it’s wonderful to support a business that is both women and ethnic-led."
The British Business Bank also expressed its commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship in Wales, with Bethan Bannister, senior investment manager, noting the potential for Longa to continue growing and thriving in the competitive food and drink sector.
Conclusion
The expansion of Longa in Cardiff is not just a business success story; it is a celebration of cultural diversity and female empowerment in the culinary world. As the restaurant continues to attract diners with its authentic Turkish offerings, it stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
Sources
- Turkish restaurant run by three women expands in Cardiff, Wales Online.
