Gill and Weller de Oliveira's new Olive Tree Kitchen takeaway is open at 45 High Street, Forres
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ON the high street and waiting for the kids to finish?
Time on your hands after shopping local?
Or just feeling peckish?
A couple from Forres has opened new catering business, The Olive Tree Kitchen, now taking root on Forres High Street.
Having previously run popular eateries The Olive Tree Cafe and the Olive vintage coffee van from Logie Steading and Findhorn beach, Gill and Weller de Oliveira have decided the time is right to show off what they do best in the centre of Forres.
Gill said: "Anyone looking for a friendly welcome and a smile should pop in and see us at The Olive Tree Kitchen at 45 High Street. Our new takeaway shop sells home-made produce, made freshly every day, on site. Also, our own blend of really good, strong coffee!"
The pair ran The Olive Tree Café for 12 years before selling-up to spend more time with their children while thinking about a new direction.
They started an online bakery and delivery business from their garage last year and their children are following in their footsteps.
"Our 18-year-old son is studying a business degree," said Gill. "Our 14-year-old son wants to work in the new shop during the school summer holidays and our nine-year-old daughter loves to bake and helps me practice recipes at home.
"The online baking and the van were super busy but it's time for us to have a base again. We can make and sell our produce from the shop while being flexible. We'd converted our garage at home into a baking kitchen but we've moved it to the back of the shop where we'll be doing all of our baking from now on."
Their renovated premises was previously home to gift shop Finishing Touches. The Olive Tree van will be used for weekend events in future and their online business will continue.
"Our online baking is still available from www.theolivetreekitchen.co.uk," said Gill, "and the orders can now be collected from the shop instead of us delivering door-to-door.
"We’re looking forward to selling our frozen home-made meals for one or two people, such as beef stew using beef from Macbeth's Butchers, chicken curry, cottage pie, vegan curry and chilli. They've no preservatives and are super tasty!"
The Olive Tree Kitchen also sells tea, hot chocolate, home-made cakes including cheesecake as well as soups and snacks.
Gill and Weller are ready for life in the fast lane and cannot wait to see their customers as well as friends again.
"We love 45 High Street!" said Gill. "It’s in such a lovely spot, often very sunny and with lots of passing school-run parents, bus stop passengers and other folk busying past.
"It’s the ideal spot to grab a hot drink or take away from, ideal for anyone heading out for a walk in Grant Park."
The Olive Tree Kitchen is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4pm.
