Paisley's Brain Fuel Coffee Cart moves to new location Barshaw Park

The 16-year-old, who launched Brain Fuel while still at school, had hoped to make Brodie Park his permanent base after building up a loyal community of regulars, wedding bookings, and event hires.

He said he was “obviously disappointed” when it became clear that it could not happen due to trading rules inside the park, but stressed he explored “every possible option” before looking elsewhere.

Leon who started the Brain Fuel coffee cart (Image: Leon)

Leon said: “I was obviously disappointed that I couldn't make Brodie Park my permanent trading location, as I had built up a great group of regular customers there and met so many amazing people and dogs over the past few months.

“We explored every possible option to try and make it work, although it wasn't possible to secure Brodie Park as a permanent location, I appreciate the help and guidance I received from council officers throughout the process.

"They have worked with me to find a suitable alternative, and I'm grateful that we have now secured an approved trading location at the main entrance to Barshaw Park .

“I'm really excited about the move.

" Barshaw Park is a fantastic location with lots of footfall and gives Brain Fuel the opportunity to continue growing while serving both existing and new customers.”

Renfrewshire Council said its policies mean parks and open spaces are not normally used as a business’s main base, but insisted it is keen to support young traders like Leon.

A spokesperson said the authority had advised him to apply for the appropriate street trading licence to operate outside the park.

The spokesperson added: “We are committed to supporting businesses and enterprises to grow and develop in Renfrewshire .

"We have advised the business owner that he may wish to apply for a street trader licence to operate outside a park, as consent is required from landowners and premises owners for businesses and commercial activities to operate on the land or premises.

“Other than in exceptional circumstances, it is not the council’s practice to grant consent for any business or commercial activity to use our parks and open spaces as their main operation of business.

"We do grant consent for businesses and commercial activities to operate in our parks and open spaces as part of events for a limited time.

“We are happy to work with the business owner to support him in applying for the correct licences required to grow his business.”

Leon revealed in a Facebook post earlier this week that, after “a lot of work behind the scenes”, Brain Fuel had now secured an “officially approved trading location” on Glasgow Road at Barshaw Park’s main entrance.

“At 16 years old, this feels massive to me,” he wrote.

“What started as just an idea has now turned into official trading pitches, wedding bookings, event hire, over 2,000 followers, and hundreds of puppychinos served.

“None of this would’ve happened without the support from everyone who’s stopped by the cart, shared posts, told friends about us or even just came over for a chat… This is only the beginning for Brain Fuel. From serving my first coffees in the park… to securing my first official trading pitch at 16 years old. Let’s see where this goes.”

The post was quickly flooded with messages from locals praising his drive and wishing him well.

One commenter wrote: “This is the sort of origin story that will be told when Brain Fuel locations are all over the country competing with Starbucks and Costa.

"Get in there wee man.”

Another added: “You are an inspiration, and your family must be so proud of you…

"Hard graft pays off, and by the looks of it, you have it in spades.”

Leon, who balances the cart with his schoolwork, said the last few months have been “a huge learning experience”.

“At 16 years old, running a coffee cart while still at school has been a huge learning experience,” he said.

“There have been challenges along the way, but I've learned that when something doesn't go to plan, you have to find another route and keep moving forward.

“My hope for the future is to continue growing Brain Fuel, serve great coffee, attend more community and charity events, and build a business that people are proud to support.

“Most of all, I just want to thank everyone who has bought a coffee, shared a post, stopped for a chat or wished me well. Without that support, none of this would be possible.”

He also paid tribute to TikTok creator Bobby Broon, whose video about the cart helped bring Brain Fuel to a wider audience.

“His support helped introduce Brain Fuel to a lot of new people, and the response from his followers has been incredible,” Leon said.

“I'm very grateful for the support he has shown me and the business.”

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Brain Fuel’s new location will be at Barshaw Park main entrance on Glasgow Road, Paisley, with opening days and times to be confirmed.