A decade of fab food, great customers, blossoming friendships and good business. Could we have asked for anything more? The first three years of ju ju's were tough. We opened up in the middle of one of the worst recessions the UK had ever seen and in the midst of national riots and collapsing markets we decided to give it a go, after all, people have to eat!
Ten years later and ju ju's is a successful business which myself, Beatrice, and Julia run together as a family. The first three years of struggling are certainly a distant memory now as we stuck to our original idea to offer fresh, locally sourced and homemade British food at an affordable price with a vision of ju ju's being a friendly & welcoming 'home from home' destination. A decade later and we haven't strayed from Julia's original vision which is perhaps why we've been successful and consistent from the beginning.
Last Sunday we celebrated a decade of ju ju's with close customers, friends, family, suppliers, charities we've supported and the local community. It was a gathering of lots of people, many of whom have consistently been eating with us for years and become friends. With live music, ju ju's home cooked BBQ ribs and chicken, great drinks and a bit of dancing we had an absolutely fabulous time and to feel the love in the room from all of our closest people was heart warming.
We also managed to raise £740 in our raffle and auction (yes we auctioned off ju ju for a night to cook, wine and dine you!) for Edward's Trust which is a great local charity that supports bereaved parents and children. We're so proud of how generous our fab customers, friends and families were on the night and a special thanks goes to Frazier's Wine Merchants, Russell's Butchers of Shenstone, Inn Express Drinks, Phillip Dennis and A M Cooper & Sons for their kind donations.
Ju Ju's would be nothing without the fabulous staff we've had working with us over the years. Lucy started with us six years ago as a pot wash and, after completing her degree in Food and Nutrition, became our Head Chef by the age of 22 and, of course, part of the ju ju's family. Lucy is just one fab example of how brilliant and ambitious our team is. We're not a restaurant that has a constant flow of staff, when we hire we look for people that have the same caring and nurturing philosophy we have as a business. This also applies to our suppliers who are mostly local, independent and many of whom have worked with us for 8 years or more!
Lastly Ju Ju's is not just a place of work for Julia and myself, it's an extension of our home and we hope this love is felt with every sip, bite and hug you receive when you come and see us.
Thank you for everyones support over the last ten years - bring on another fabulous decade of ju ju's!