Phil Lombardi, 47, who established the café after being furloughed by Rolls-Royce during the pandemic, is celebrating the success of his business. The eatery, now located in Wellington Street, Long Eaton, has been recognised for its freshly prepared street food, breakfasts, and lunchtime favourites.
The accolade from the SME awards highlights the café's quality and reputation, built through word of mouth and local support. This recognition comes as the Good Food Awards also presented the establishment with a blue ribbon for the second time.
Street Food Kitchen operates from the Wade Business Centre, a historic 120-year-old building that was repurposed rather than demolished. The centre now houses various businesses, including an electronics firm and a children's clothing company, alongside a furniture showroom.
The café's menu features speciality flatbreads, chicken shawarma, breakfasts, pizzas, and burgers, with themed days including curry on Wednesdays, carvery on Thursdays, and fish and chips on Fridays. Mr Lombardi emphasised his commitment to maintaining the business's independent and friendly feel.
Mr Lombardi also welcomed the £25 million of Town Deal funding allocated to Long Eaton, acknowledging the short-term disruption from regeneration projects like the £10 million High Street revamp, which he believes will significantly benefit local businesses.
“"The awards for Street Food Kitchen are fully deserved since it is a terrific example of a successful local business. Well done, Phil – and hats off too to Wade Furniture Group. The significant investment they have put into the Wade Business Centre means a building that just a few years ago was derelict is now continuing to create much-needed local jobs."
