LONG RUNNING CAFÉ BUSINESS - KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK

The Filling Station is a long-established café business that has been serving customers since 1994. The business provides a wide range of freshly prepared food and hot beverages, operating from a well-presented premises with a bright customer area and strong visual appeal. It benefits from consistent footfall and passing trade, supported by an excellent reputation for quality and service.

This is an attractive opportunity to acquire a profitable daytime operation with proven demand, strong margins and considerable potential for growth. The business currently trades limited hours, presenting clear scope for a new owner to expand opening times, introduce evening service, or further develop the offer to increase revenue.

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BUSINESS:

The business operates as a traditional café offering hot drinks, light meals, baked potatoes, paninis, soups, salads and other freshly prepared items. Service is delivered from a spacious counter area with multiple refrigerated display units and hot food equipment, allowing efficient handling of both dine-in and takeaway customers. The premises provide seating for approximately 40 customers inside, with additional outdoor seating available under a pavement licence.

Operations are supported by a team of four full-time and four part-time staff. The current owner focuses primarily on back-of-house duties rather than front-of-house service. The business enjoys a strong consistent turnover in the region of £320k with good profitability and a gross profit of around 68%, although a more ‘hands on’ operator would expect to increase these figures further.

Trading hours are currently Monday to Saturday daytime only, with Sunday closure. There is clear potential to open earlier for breakfast trade and extend into evenings to capture additional demand. The café holds a 5-star Food Hygiene rating and strong online reviews, indicating a loyal customer base and consistent quality.

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PREMISES:

The business operates from attractive leasehold premises with a prominent glazed frontage that creates a light and welcoming environment. The ground floor comprises a spacious customer seating and service area measuring approximately 14.3m × 5.2m, finished with decorative lighting, air conditioning, wood-effect flooring and colourful décor. The large service counter incorporates extensive food display space and a wide range of commercial catering equipment.

To the rear is a dedicated pot wash room with sink, dishwasher, refrigeration and stainless steel preparation surfaces, plus access to a rear parking area with three permit spaces included in the lease. The premises also benefit from outdoor seating provision for approximately 12–15 covers.

The first floor provides a well equipped commercial kitchen with stainless steel finishes, commercial oven, refrigeration, mixer and preparation areas. Additional facilities include staff and customer WCs, storage rooms and a manager’s office.

The property is held on a five-year lease from 2024 at a rent of £18,500 per annum plus VAT, with a modest monthly service charge of c.£40 that includes buildings insurance.

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KEY INFORMATION:

AGENTS NOTE: This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: In order to release further information on the business – such as the accounts, we require you to complete a short online non-disclosure form. Please contact our office and we will provide full instructions and assist where required.

REFERENCE NUMBER: R36652E.

OPENING HOURS: The business currently operates Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm and on Saturdays from 9:30am to 3:45pm, remaining closed on Sundays. These daytime trading hours offer a balanced working schedule while leaving clear scope for a new owner to extend into early morning breakfast service or evening trading to increase revenue.

TENURE: Leasehold. It is expected that the existing 5yr lease (from 29/1/2024) will be assigned on completion to the purchaser subject to the landlords consent.

The purchaser will be responsible for the landlords costs and fees in connection with the assignment of, or the grant of a new lease.

RENT PAYABLE: The premises are held on a lease with a current rent of £18,500 per annum plus VAT, payable monthly. A service charge of c.£40 per month plus VAT is also payable, which includes buildings insurance.

RATES PAYABLE: The total rates payable for the 26/27 financial year are £5,216.15.

This information has been provided to us by the vendor and any interested party is advised to enquire of the local authority to check the position with regards to business rates that will apply to a new owner.

STAFF: The business is operated with a team of four full-time and four part-time staff, with annual staff costs dependant on scheduling and trading levels. The current owner is primarily involved in ‘back of office’ duties rather than front-of-house service. Correct at the time of listing.

EPC: The Energy Performance Certificate shows a rating of ‘B/38’, full document available on request.

PRICE: £65,000 PLUS STOCK AT VALUATION.

Comprising the leasehold interest, business goodwill, fixtures, fittings, and equipment. Stock to be purchased separately at valuation upon completion. Business offered for sale as a going concern and not as a vacant premises.

VIEWING: Viewing is strictly by appointment only. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a time that suits you.

FINANCE: If you require assistance with business financing or commercial mortgages (subject to eligibility), we may be able to help. Let us know if you would like our support, and we will gladly put you in touch with our recommended whole-of-market broker.

BUSINESS TO SELL: Thinking of selling your business? That’s our specialty. If you’re curious about its value, we offer a free, confidential valuation service. Simply pick the day and time that work best for you, and we will provide an honest, professional assessment. Feel free to get in touch with our office at your convenience to book an appointment.

PREMIER MARKETING: We are passionate about showcasing each business in a way that truly stands out. Our listings include high-quality property details and comprehensive information across all major online platforms, as well as our own website. If you want your business to shine, call us to arrange a complimentary valuation.

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DISCLAIMER:

1. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS: Prospective buyers will be required to provide identification documentation and proof of funding during the purchasing process. Cooperation is appreciated to ensure the sale proceeds without unnecessary delays.

2. PARTICULARS: While we strive to ensure all information is accurate and reliable, it serves as a general guide only. Should any particular details be of special importance, please contact us so we can verify the information before you travel to view.

3. MEASUREMENTS: Provided room sizes are approximate and intended solely for general guidance. Prospective buyers are advised to independently verify all measurements to ensure accuracy.

4. SERVICES: Please note we have not tested the services or any of the equipment or appliances.