Friska, the Bristol-based healthy fast-food restaurant, has been chosen as the caterer for the first phase of SPark, the Bristol and Bath Science Park under construction at Emersons Green.
The firm, which specialises in healthy, tasty, locally-sourced food, will open in the 11,000 sq ft Forum building later this month.
The Forum will be the social and collaborative centre of the 59-acre, multi-million pound science park, providing a space for businesses to meet and share ideas as well as the café area and networking space. It will be open to the public, not just to those working on the park.
Friska, set up in 2009 by University of Bath graduates Griff Holland and Ed Brown, was selected because of its belief in ‘feel-good food’ that is fresh, appetising and good value for money.
Their outlet in Victoria Street, Bristol, is developing a reputation among local office workers for its wholesome food.
Mr Holland said: “The new Forum building looks fantastic and we’re looking forward to being part of dynamic and creative environment – serving tasty, healthy food that makes you feel good.
“At Friska, we are building a reputation for our commitment to operating sustainably and the Science Park’s investment in this area was an important factor in our decision to open there.”
Friska's menu, which changes seasonally, is locally sourced, with free range meats and fair trade teas and coffees. As well as The Forum, Friska will also serve food for around 200 people working at the National Composites Centre which recently opened on the Science Park.
Bristol and Bath Science Park chief executive Bonnie Dean said: “We believe good food inspires great ideas so Friska’s offer is an ideal fit.”
She described The Forum as “a place to meet, share ideas to inspire and be inspired”.
It forms SPark One with The Innovation Centre and The Grow-On building. The Innovation Centre will provide 25,000 sq ft of flexible office space with professional conference facilities for companies of up to 15 employees. It will also offer business support to help young companies grow and access the right advisors, mentors, partners and funders.
The Grow-On building will provide a further 25,000 sq ft of space for developing businesses of up to around 40 employees and will be aimed companies needing flexible terms as well as the support of a lively business community.
Ms Dean added: “The ethos of the Innovation Centre is to help local companies flourish and expand so having a Bristol-based, growing company do the catering for the park reflects this perfectly.”
Designed, developed and managed by Quantum Property Partnership – a joint venture between Quintain Estates and Development and Aviva Investors – the science park was kick-started with a £40m investment from the South West Regional Development Agency.
It will be a hub for the region’s science and technology businesses, bringing together a wide range of companies including entrepreneurs, fledgling businesses and established brands to form an inspiring scientific and technology community where ideas can be shared and taken to commercial scale.
