Celebrating the people of Social Bite Aberdeen

Where free food and paying customers are equal

Just over three years after Social Bite’s first coffee shop opened on Edinburgh’s Rose St, we opened Social Bite Aberdeen. Over the past decade, our wee shop on the corner of Union St has become a part of the fabric of the city.

What makes Social Bite Aberdeen special? “Free food attendees are as important as paying customers – if not more so,” says Social Bite’s Head of Operations, Amanda Traill.

“Homelessness in Aberdeen is complex,” explains Development and Support Worker, Paul Rodger. “It’s often hidden, with people couch surfing or staying in inappropriate housing.”

So as well as serving great coffee and freshly prepared sandwiches, Social Bite’s free food service is a lifeline to many people. Since 2015, we’ve served more than 170,000 free meals in Aberdeen.

Food can often be the first point of contact for someone in crisis. “By building relationships with people who come to our free food service, we can learn more about their situations and support them to get the help they need,” says Paul.

 

The beating heart of Social Bite Aberdeen

From day one, Amanda loved being part of Social Bite Aberdeen’s free food service. One of Social Bite’s longest-serving employees, Amanda started as assistant manager of the Aberdeen shop in 2015, becoming manager a month later. Today, she oversees all Social Bite’s Scottish coffee shops, still based out of the Union St shop.

Amanda quickly got to know the people who stopped by for free food each day. “When we opened, in the first weeks, we had seven people a day for free food,” Amanda recalls. “Within three months, that had grown to 30 people. Today, between the two daily services, it’s more like 100 people.”

Despite the rise in numbers, Amanda still spends time meeting with attendees, some of whom she’s known for close to 10 years. “I love chatting to the guys, cracking jokes,” she says.

That’s why Amanda is a key part of Aberdeen’s success: alongside the wider team, she’s been essential to creating an environment that means more and more people feel welcome in the shop.

“Amanda has been the beating heart of our Aberdeen shop since day one,” says Managing Director (and Amanda’s boss), Mel Swan. “Her kindness and her knack for making everyone feel welcome, customers, colleagues, and the people we serve through our free food programme, has shaped not just the shop, but the community around it.”

“We’re more part of community than ever,” Amanda agrees. “The nicest part is when you see people who are passing the shop acknowledge folk in the queue for free food. That didn’t happen at the start. Now, there’s no ‘them and us’ – it’s only ‘us.’”

 

People improving their lives is the real success story

In her own words, Social Bite Aberdeen is Amanda’s baby. She’s now responsible for how all our Scottish shops run, but when talking about Aberdeen her face really lights up.

“I’m very proud of the way we’ve evolved what we do,” Amanda beams. “In the next 12 months, I hope we can drive more footfall so we can support more people.”

Amanda may have heavily influenced Social Bite Aberdeen – but it’s changed her, too. “It’s shown me how difficult life is for everyone. I’ve seen people who are having the darkest of days come in and raise a smile… I view all aspects of my own life differently now.”

Amanda doesn’t hesitate when asked about what part of Social Bite Aberdeen she’s most proud of. “Seeing the guys who’ve used the service for so long improving their lives, to see how they’ve grown – they come in and donate now, they’re doing well. That’s the real success story.”

 

Celebrating a decade of making a difference

Amanda may be humble, but her colleagues can see the difference she makes.

“Celebrating 10 years of Social Bite Aberdeen means celebrating 10 years of Amanda,” said Social Bite founder, Josh Littlejohn. “She’s one of our longest-standing and best employees.”

“Amanda’s personal and professional growth over the years has seen the shop – all our shops – go from strength to strength. She’s built a team that provides exceptional customer service to everyone who walks through our door. It’s very much put Social Bite on the map in Aberdeen.

“The fact that the shop’s going strong after a decade is as much thanks to Amanda’s hard work and commitment as it is to her compassion, approachable nature and the time she gives to the community. I think the world of her.”

Mel added: “Amanda leads with authenticity, builds lasting relationships, and constantly brings Social Bite’s values to life in everyday moments. Ten years on, her impact is felt in every smile, every conversation, and every bit of progress we’ve made together. Thank you, Amanda!”