First-time restaurant owners have told how they uncovered a litany of issues while overhauling their venue - but vowed to turn their plight into a success.

The husband and wife team behind Mimosa has been documenting the transformation of their new site in Sandgate High Street near Folkestone.

Expected to open this week, the spot will be the third restaurant to take over the large plot in a decade, previously home to Thai restaurant Tilucks II and Mexican Escondido.

First-time business owners Enesh Thompson, 24, and Ahmet Okmen, 31, have been overwhelmed by the support they received after taking the plunge.

But the duo revealed how, after running into problems while renovating, they questioned whether they had made the right decision to embark on the venture.

Speaking to KentOnline, Ms Thompson said: “We looked around a fair few places in Folkestone and Hythe because of the footfall, but we decided that being by the sea was one of our main factors.

“Someone recommended Sandgate to us and said it was a supportive, close-knit community, which has really shown on our social media posts - it’s been really encouraging.

“I wanted to document the renovation process, and then one day we had 100 followers, then 300. It might not be thousands, but it means a lot because it’s mostly local people, who made us feel welcomed in the community.

“We hope to establish ourselves here. We’ve invested in this place because we want to stay and build something lasting in the community.”

But delays and a lengthy renovation process have halted their hopes of opening earlier this month.

Mr Okmen said: “Because it was our first business, we thought it would be easier than it was.

“I don’t think we drilled down into the nooks and crannies of the building when we were viewing it - We were just excited by the idea.

“Once we started renovation, we did question our decision. We were told there had been people before us who pulled out and left projects unfinished.

“But once the ball started rolling, we learned to deal with the difficulties and work through them.”
Mr Okmen added that a prospective opening date of May 18 is still on the cards.

Being first-time owners, emphasis has been placed on hiring quality staff, especially in the chef department, as they look to create a British/Mediterranean themed menu with seasonal offerings.

This will be paired with classic cocktails from cosmopolitans to pina coladas, with plans of introducing their own signature specials once the restaurant has found its feet.

But are the couple fearful of competition? Already, Sandgate boasts several restaurants and cafes, including wine bar John Dory, which has received massive acclaim in recent years.

Ms Thompson added: “We said if we’re going to invest in something, let's do it properly and make it last so we can build connections with people.

“Everywhere has competition, but I think there’s enough to go round.

“Sandgate is certainly less intense than Folkestone, where it felt like businesses were still feeling the strain post-COVID.”

Although full prices are yet to be established, the 24-year-old added that cost-of-living issues will be considered, with the couple not wanting high prices to turn away potential customers.

They plan to open Mimosa seven days a week for breakfast before briefly closing ahead of the evening rush, a system Mr Okmen feels confident will work, given his nine-year stint in hospitality.