A PAIR of Renfrewshire entrepreneurs are making a healthy profit ... after converting an old ambulance into a takeaway coffee stall.

Connor Jervis and Ross Cameron launched the Curly Coffee Company in August by setting up the 60-year-old Commer vehicle, lovingly named Sabrina, near Kirk Road, Houston.

The venture was so successful that, within two months, they expanded by opening another stall in the car park of the village’s Strathgryffe Tennis Club – this time using a converted horsebox named Piper.

Now they plan to open a third unit – a converted cattle truck named Zelda – at Bishopton train station this month.

The dynamic duo decided to name their coffee stalls after television witches, in the hope it will help to work some magic and brew up further success for their new enterprise.

Ross, 29, and Connor, 25, have left their full-time jobs with major coffee shop chains to concentrate on growing their business, which now employs 13 people in a mixture of full and part-time jobs.

The Gazette: The young entrepreneurs with Piper (left) and Zelda, which will open in Bishopton next monthThe young entrepreneurs with Piper (left) and Zelda, which will open in Bishopton next month

The duo believe Covid restrictions imposed on restaurants, pubs, cafes and coffee shops has been a factor in the rapid expansion of their enterprise.

“We were confident about the business when we first came up with the idea,” Ross told The Gazette.

“But with more and more people going out walking as part of their daily exercise regime during the Covid restrictions, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of customers.

“They see a visit to Curly Coffee as part of that routine, which has been great for business.”

Connor added: “The fact we’re on a dog-walking trail has been a bonus. Many of our customers have said we’ve been a lifeline for them during these difficult times, giving them the opportunity to pop along for a coffee and a chat while they’re out.”

Ross and Connor realise the reopening of coffee shops, bars and restaurants will bring more competition but still expect their customer base to grow.

“People have had a year living with these restrictions and their daily walk has become an important part of their lives,” said Ross.

“We’re confident that will continue, even after the retail sector reopens.”