My Thai entrepreneurs launch not-for-profit deli

Simon Gybas and Apiyada Latham, founders of My Thai, will open the doors to In it Together Deli at 8 Swinegate in Leeds on Monday, May 18.

With the majority of their eight restaurants completely shut down overnight, Mr Gybas said he used the resources and business contacts from his long, two-decade plus career to begin distributing free meals to city’s vulnerable.

He said: ‘’With my businesses turned upside down literally overnight, I had to do something to keep myself busy and give back to the community that has offered me so much. The kindness of the public, be it through donations or volunteering their time whilst on furlough, has been overwhelming.’’

‘’I’ve never been busier, and can’t wait for everyone to try out our new deli, which makes high quality food and drink available to everyone at a competitive price. We look forward to welcoming the people of Leeds to In It Together.’’

The deli, which has been designed with strict safety and social distancing measures in mind, will include baked goods and meats as well as Thai, Indian and European ready meals from Yorkshire restaurants, butchers and bakers.

Staff wearing protective masks and gloves will take orders from the counter at safe distance and then pick items for the customer on demand. There will also be a fridge filled daily with a selection of meals and deli items for NHS staff that can be collected by showing their ID.

Ready meals will be supplied by the likes of My Thai and Bengal Brasserie among others. Prime cuts of meat will be available from Taplin’s Butchers of Bradford, who have been going strong since 1916.

Baked goods, vegetarian and vegan options will also be on display. In It Together will be open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, volunteers will be on-site all day baking and preparing fresh meals.

In It Together will be available to those close to the city centre deli via Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. There will also be a personal shopping and delivery service offered help more senior citizens living outside of central Leeds.

All profits to go to the city’s elderly, struggling families, most vulnerable individuals and NHS.

The project will run using the help of volunteers initially, but will be looking to create seven permanent jobs further down the line.

To date, the team have delivered more than 34,000 meals across the county.

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