Welcome c-store to open in Somerset

Store owner and franchisee, Dilan Patel, worked with Southern Co-op to create the mission-led store layout, encouraging meal-for-tonight purchases.

The 3,000sq ft store has a food-to-go area including Rollover hot dogs, alongside grab-and-go, sustainable and ethical Smokin’ Bean Coffee, and Sir Lush slush machines.

In addition, Patel is looking at co-locating a post office within the new store as his father is already sub-postmaster of post offices in Staplegrove and Priorswood.

Welcome Co-op Taunton will be Patel’s fourth store, having previously worked in partnership with Southern Co-op in London, and worked on a refurbishment of his father’s store in the Taunton village of Staplegrove.

Patel said: “We couldn’t be more pleased with the finished store. It’s a fantastic working environment for staff and it’s great for customers. It’s been worth the investment and the hard work that’s gone into it and now hopefully we will see the rewards.”

The store is taking every step to make its customers’ shopping experience ‘Covid Safe’. The team will be conducting frequent Covid safety checks, Covid Audits, and Covid risk assessments using a checklist built by specialists.