new cafe beside the dart station ?

Merrilady · 25-09-2013 5:29pm

Beef Pastrami - Well Holy Moly what a sambo !!!

LEIN · 25-09-2013 6:12pm

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Caroline Gray9 · 25-09-2013 8:11pm

Merrilady wrote: »

Beef Pastrami - Well Holy Moly what a sambo !!!

Delighted u liked it. Caroline gray

Caroline Gray9 · 25-09-2013 8:13pm

DD9090 wrote: »

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Thanks for idea We will certainly consider this. Caroline gray

Cheeky Chops · 25-09-2013 8:57pm

DD9090 wrote: »

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Caroline I am not a fan of loyalty cards. From a marketing perspective they can often have an adverse effect on the customer whereby they think "How am I ever going to fill this thing up!".

Get the email address of any interested punter and build a mailing list. Send a weekly coupon that can be redeemed in shop and it will help build repeat customers and do away with those impersonal tatty cards that fill our wallets. Then you can have monthly bonuses etc. It stops the customer being made to feel cheap, is seamless and gives you zero cost marketing.

Those cards treat all customers the same. Not good!

recedite · 25-09-2013 11:25pm

cuddlycavies wrote: »

They use a number system where you pay at the counter, take a number and then the order is taken to your table identified by the number. I see two problems with this.
1. Customers will be less likely to tip as they pay before service is delivered. Loose change is put away.
2. There is likely to be a smaller spend per table as two transactions are required if something else is required.
Just my opinion. Might be wrong.

That sounds like the system they use all the time in Italy. The cashier handles the money, but not the food. Its a hygiene thing. The disadvantage is they need more staff to run the place, cos the cashier is often just sitting there.

pixbyjohn · 09-10-2013 12:18am

This place was open last Sunday

artvandelay48 · 09-10-2013 8:40am

We've been in here a couple of times and we really like it. It already seems like a part of the town and that's a testament to how well it works. Well done, Caroline!

Caroline Gray9 · 09-10-2013 11:18pm

artvandelay48 wrote: »

We've been in here a couple of times and we really like it. It already seems like a part of the town and that's a testament to how well it works. Well done, Caroline!

Thank u so much for these kind remarks. U have no idea how much I appreciate such encouragement . Hope rest of your week is really good . Caroline

audreyp · 10-10-2013 7:28am

I went there on Saturday for lunch and I loved it. Really nice atmosphere and yummie sandwiches and great tea. Will definitely try it again!

red_bairn · 10-10-2013 7:36am

I was there for a break from study lunchtime yesterday and met with a mate who enjoyed the place. It may have been Caroline who made the sandwiches. She said she forgot the pickled cucumbers and happily ran back for them. I have no complaints and I found they utilised the space well. Good work Caroline!

Caroline Gray9 · 10-10-2013 7:38pm

red_bairn wrote: »

I was there for a break from study lunchtime yesterday and met with a mate who enjoyed the place. It may have been Caroline who made the sandwiches. She said she forgot the pickled cucumbers and happily ran back for them. I have no complaints and I found they utilised the space well. Good work Caroline!

Thanks for this and delighted u liked it . Caroline

stevestevenson · 11-10-2013 11:23am

Have to say I love the place! Staff are great, and can't get enough of the Beef Pastrami sandwiches.
Long may it continue!

Caroline Gray9 · 12-10-2013 12:54am

stevestevenson wrote: »

Have to say I love the place! Staff are great, and can't get enough of the Beef Pastrami sandwiches.
Long may it continue!

Steve thanks so much . We hope to continue . Probably losing money at present but we are hanging on and are so grateful for your reaction . It's funny how much this means . Hope u have a great weekend . Caroline

Caroline Gray9 · 12-10-2013 12:56am

audreyp wrote: »

I went there on Saturday for lunch and I loved it. Really nice atmosphere and yummie sandwiches and great tea. Will definitely try it again!

Thank u ! Caroline gray

ciaran67 · 12-10-2013 5:52pm

JanneG wrote: »

We're still waiting for you to add "Landlord" to your CV

You know you want to!

Hell, Astrofluff for Mayor!

Pupshaw · 15-10-2013 9:44am

Lovely coffee shop Caroline! Tastefully decorated, wonderful atmosphere, the work of Pinterest users methinks! I don't get to treat that often as times are tight, but when I can manage it, I drop by. Lovely staff too. I hope everything works out for you with the venture, it's a great thriving addition to the town and another reason to have people stop by in Greystones. Which is always good in my book. Good on you.

Caroline Gray9 · 19-10-2013 9:42am

Pupshaw wrote: »

Lovely coffee shop Caroline! Tastefully decorated, wonderful atmosphere, the work of Pinterest users methinks! I don't get to treat that often as times are tight, but when I can manage it, I drop by. Lovely staff too. I hope everything works out for you with the venture, it's a great thriving addition to the town and another reason to have people stop by in Greystones. Which is always good in my book. Good on you.

Thank u v much . Delighted u like it. Glad u like the atmosphere . Not sure who pinterest is but design was from a brilliant young Irish designer Grainne Weber and my own inputs and great u like it . Also thrilled u found the team to be lovely as my own view is that if u don't feel welcome I have failed as friendliness and nice food in a good atmosphere is what we all want when we get a chance for a little break in these tough times . Take care Caroline Gray

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:28pm

Caroline Gray9 wrote: »

Thanks great to get live feedback caroline

U kindly suggested that I should open in evenings as u felt it would be a great place to go for a glass of wine in evenings .one or two other posters suggested a similar idea . I am glad to be able to report we are now opening fri and sat night for cheese boards , charcuterie and organic wine and coffee . Hope u get a chance to try it sometime . Thanks for idea caroline

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:35pm

Oldlegs wrote: »

Do I wait and report back later or give it in real time?
Hey we live in an online world, so here goes ...

Walk passed the front to get an initial look. On stepping inside there is a great airy feel to the place. Plenty of tables without feeling cluttered. (I like the slightly longer table in the middle, and sharing a table is a great way to strike up conversation).

"Beef Pastrami gourmet sandwich" screamed at me - no decision to be made.
Unfortunately, today of all day's Beef Pastrami is not available. Turkey or Ham & Cheese alternatives, do not really sound like true alternatives. "What comes with the turkey ?" I ask, tears welling up in my eyes (seriously how can a Turkey sandwich compete with a Beef Pastrami !).
Turkey, with salad, relish and garlic mayonnaise on fresh cob. Tears dry up quickly. Lets go with that then .

As I type, I am half way through an amazing sandwich and great coffee. The pickled cucumber on the side is a great touch.

Starting to fill up with lunch time trade, but noise level doesn't change

Service is great.
Overall feel of the place is great.
Really reminds me of NYC/Seattle/Santa Monica cafes where you can go and read a book or chat for ages - whilst also getting great fare.

Hopefully in time, opening time will extend into the evening as this would be a great place to meet for coffee, glass of wine etc. after work.

Price for Coffee essentially the same as the rest of Greystones. Sandwich (@ €6.30) is more expensive than elsewhere, but his must be the best sandwich in town.

As Arnold Scharz. might have said, "I will be back!" - next time for the Beef Pastrami - hopefully

Well done Caroline and staff.

(PS - Does Greystones need another coffee shop ? I don't know. But this is a very welcome addition to Greystones and others may have to up their game to compete with the overall quality)

(PPS - As I was leaving, and made my introductions to Caroline and wanted to make sure the Beef Pastrami would be back on the next time. She told me that it would be back on in about 5 minutes, as delivery had just arrived. Oh well, next time.)

Thanks as I just posted we are now opening on fri and sat nights for coffee wine cheese boards and charcuterie . Thanks for idea

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:38pm

bobwilliams wrote: »

A bit of jazz and wine would go down nice me thinks..

Bob we now have jazz on music system on fri and sat night and are open these nights for wine and cheese and jazz . Thanks caroline

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:42pm

realgolfgeek wrote: »

Now THAT is something I would love !!!!

Just to let u know we are from tonight and on fri and sat nights going to try this idea . If u get a chance to pop down some weekend night I hope v much it will live up to your expectations . Take care and have a good weekend caroline gray

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:46pm

grudgehugger wrote: »

@Caroline: Didn't make it in last weekend - determined to come visit this one!

Cheese/charcuterie plates washed down with some vino on the odd evening sounds fab - would definitely go for it.

I'm sure just managing getting up and running with the daytime business is demanding a huge effort though.... fair play for giving it a go and also for interacting on boards with the customers. Others would benefit from doing the same I feel....

... I can feel the beef pastrami sandwich calling me ....

Hope u saw my quote today indicating we are going with your cheese , charcuterie and some vino idea on fri and sat nights and see is it of interest . Thanks again caroline

Caroline Gray9 · 02-11-2013 1:49pm

Moobui wrote: »

I think the system they have in place is a good one, especially during busy periods as it avoids a pile up at the counter while people wait for their drinks-this can be really frustrating in the Happy Pear for example. I'd advise that some kind of lid be fitted to the bottle they have the wooden spoon to indicate your number as I can see this sand ending up on the floor (or in someone's drink!) as my toddler was fascinated by it!

I think the cafe is lovely and the care and attention put into it is very obvious. On my two visits to date I found the staff to be really friendly and in a genuine way. The coffee I had was great as was the cake I ordered. I think Caroline and her staff are to be commended for what they are trying to achieve and I'm sure they will tweak things after they have had a settling in period. I haven't had one of their sandwiches yet but this option is really lacking in Greystones. Apart from Homans (where the food is good, but can be very busy) and the prepackaged, overpriced sandwiches in Costa and Insomnia, I don't know of anywhere else you can have a sandwich and a coffee.

One recommendation I would have is that the long table in the middle of the cafe be replaced with two smaller ones. I think this clogs up the space a bit and most people would prefer to not have to share the table with strangers when there's nowhere else to sit.

I'm delighted the cafe has opened and I hope it's a success. It's great to see someone with a real passion for what they're doing taking that chance and setting up a new business.

Not sure if I ever got a chance to respond but I just wanted to thank u for your v kind post . Take care caroline

pixbyjohn · 08-11-2013 2:11am

Caroline,
what was the winning poster caption in the competition you ran on the run up to the opening of Café Gray?

Caroline Gray9 · 29-12-2013 1:11am

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Caroline,
what was the winning poster caption in the competition you ran on the run up to the opening of Café Gray?

Thanks so much for your enquiry. If u send me your email to cafegray9@gmail.com I would be delighted to send u details . Hope u had a peaceful Christmas and have a great 2014. Thank u for your continued interest . Caroline Gray ( cafe gray)

bobwilliams · 29-12-2013 1:10pm

ok I'm a bit fussy when it comes to coffee so thought I'd give my opinion.
I do like ur Americano but sometimes your cappacino can be poor as a result of the milk frothing being poor,some shops have too much froth,Donnybrook fair and Insomnia to name 2.

The shop that has it bang on is Vino's.What I find with CG is the cappo is not great unless made by the (I presume) barrista,some of the young girls need more practice.
Fwiw I love the food just thought I throw in my 2p regards the coffee.

My advice go down to vino's and get a takeaway cappo and compare the end of your cup with theirs,and no I have no affiliation to any eatery in the town.

Caroline Gray9 · 30-12-2013 11:17am

Bob, thank u so much for your helpful advice and support. I will pass it on to our baristas and I know they welcome such feedback . Please also feel free to ask them to make it exactly how u like it as they are passionate about coffee and meeting customer wishes. Thanks also for your lovely comments on our food and Americano coffeee. Our coffee is specialist hand blended in Wicklow and all our food is fresh and baking is done in cafe. I always remember the kind advice u and others gave me back at start up . I think u suggested opening earlier and a bit later and we took this advice with thanks and now open on weekdays at 7.30 .Early morning business is slow and we have to start baking at around 5 in mornings but I hope it will work . We also followed your advice on late openings but for logistic reasons and to ensure we don't fall asleep we only do this on fri and sat nights. ! On these nights we stay open till 11 and serve homemade pitta , wicklow cheese boards and charcuteriee and wine but u are also welcome to come for a coffee. Thanks again for your feedback. Caroline

Taltos · 30-12-2013 11:44pm

Drove past this morning just after 0730 - saw the staff inside and was convinced they were in for training / prep - no clue you were open. Now that I know will be dropping in tomorrow around the same time for 2 coffee's to go

(Can't wait)...

Caroline Gray9 · 31-12-2013 12:54am

Taltos wrote: »

Drove past this morning just after 0730 - saw the staff inside and was convinced they were in for training / prep - no clue you were open. Now that I know will be dropping in tomorrow around the same time for 2 coffee's to go

(Can't wait)...

Thank u so much for this . We are not open early during holiday period but will be next week . Thank u for your support . U and other contributors have no idea how much I value your support . When u start out with an idealist plan to do something special and support local jobs and do all fresh baking and have to try and compete with big coffee chains it is easy to think " why did I try and create a nice place for people to go regardless of if they only have € 2 or €3 to spend and find it hard to be viable " and then positive comments on web or in person makes it all worthwhile. So thanks to u and bob and all other contributors and customers who get what I am trying to do . ( even if I don't always get it right ) take care and to u and all our supporters I hope 2014 is a year of simlple joy. Caroline gray

new cafe beside the dart station ?

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