A CITY business owner is “absolutely heartbroken” after revealing that the café he runs will close for good.
Dickie Wheatley, who owns GoodRoots at The Porcelain Works, revealed he is set to close his café in October.
The café has been a staple on Severn Street for six years, hosting many community events and serving food, and it is also a stop-off point for those walking along the river.
However, it is scheduled to formally close on October 31, as its lease ends.
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Mr Wheatley said he has been unable to secure a new lease allowing GoodRoots to remain at its current home.
“GoodRoots has been such a huge part of my life for the past six years, so I’m absolutely heartbroken that we’re having to close,” Mr Wheatley said.
“Owning my own business was always my dream, and GoodRoots has also provided a livelihood for me and my three young girls.
“We’ve built far more than just a café—we’ve created a place where people come together, friendships are made, and the community feels at home.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved and truly grateful for all the love and support Worcester has shown us.
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“I desperately wish this wasn’t how our story was ending.”
The Bransford Trust CIO, a registered charity that also manages assets, including the property occupied by GoodRoots, said it gave the business 17 months’ notice of its decision not to renew the lease.
A spokesperson said: “The Trust has a responsibility to manage its charitable assets responsibly and in a way that supports its long-term charitable objectives.
“As with any landlord and tenant arrangement, there are a number of factors involved in decisions about the management of a property, and the Trust has sought to deal with these matters appropriately.
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“It would not be appropriate for the Trust to discuss the detailed financial or contractual arrangements of an individual tenant publicly, nor to comment on the private details of its relationship with individual tenants.
“The Trust wishes the staff and others affected by the end of this lease the best for the future.”
GoodRoots has launched a petition to asking The Bransford Trust to allow it to remain at its current location.
It has asked customers to share their fond memories of the café.
However, the Trust is already in the process of selecting a new tenant to take over the café premises and has asked interested parties to submit a letter of interest to the local property agents, KJB Commercial.
It added: “The ideal tenant will be local, independent, community-focused and demonstrate values aligned to the Trust.”
