Vale food business adapts to lend a helping hand to key workers

Simon Llewellyn owns a number of food and drink businesses across the Vale of Glamorgan including Hot Diggidy Dog sauces, Diet revolution deliveries and Barry-based restaurants Teitr and The Sausage revolution.

After serving 11 years with the Navy as a submariner, Business owner Simon was well prepared to remain strong in the face of adversity, so when the government lockdown required restaurants and food businesses to close their doors to the public, he swiftly implemented an alternative business model.

In awe of the amazing work our key workers were doing across the country, Simon quickly decided that he would put his catering premises to good use and prepare wholesome cooked meals on his restaurant sites and deliver them directly to the NHS, emergency workers and care staff across Cardiff and the Vale. He wanted to ensure that the individuals we all rely upon in the midst of the covid-19 epidemic were well nourished and looked after and has to date, delivered more than 8,000 meals across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. More than 170 hot meals are delivered daily by Simon’s team to Barry, Rookwood and St David’s hospitals, NHS call centre workers, care home staff, district nursing teams, and Barry ambulance, police and fire stations.

Hot, wholesome meals such as Mac and cheese, Chilli con carne and stew are prepared and loaded into vans by Simon’s staff every day, and delivered to people on the front line. All supplies are funded through a go fund me page set up by Simon and his business partner but staff time and skills are offered voluntarily on behalf of the business.

“The support from the community has been overwhelming and the financial contributions made to support our work through the go fund me page has been humbling. It’s been great to witness first hand the gratitude of people who are putting so much on the line to protect our country.” – Simon Llewellyn

Simon said: “I could never have imagined how much my business and the wider world could change in a matter of weeks. I’m busier now than I’ve ever been but it’s nice to feel that I can offer something positive in the current situation which is challenging so many – and none more than our frontline key workers. The support from the community has been overwhelming and the financial contributions made to support our work through the go fund me page has been humbling. It’s been great to witness first hand the gratitude of people who are putting so much on the line to protect our country. A seemingly small gesture like a healthy hot meal can go a long way to lifting spirits and contributing to a happier environment and we are proud to be able to offer a helping hand.”