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THE SNACK SHACK, Alltami, Flintshire

For many people, taking a leap of faith and becoming your own boss during a global pandemic, is likely to be the stuff of nightmares.

But it's a bit of a dream come true for one Hawarden man.

Paul Grieve, 54, who has always worked in hospitality, was working as a restaurant manager for a firm based in Chester when the first lockdown hit.

Most staff were furloughed, including his own team of about 25, as the site went from 1,800 people to just 60. Paul, who had worked at the company for 14 years, continued working at the site.

Then just over 12 months ago the team were told their jobs were under consultation. Paul was made redundant.

At about the same time his wife Lesley spotted a Facebook post advertising a sandwich van for sale, based at the yard of Thorncliffe Building Supplies in Alltami.

Paul had considered setting up his own business many times over the years and decided fate had played a hand in making it happen.

He said: "When my wife mentioned about it, I though 'why not, I'll go for it'."

The Snack Shack opened in November 2020.

Paul, aka The Frying Scotsman, said: "Since then I've been working six days most weeks but it's really good.

"I'm so busy, and have loads of regulars now.

"Being your own boss is a lot better. I'd rather have done this when I was 20 but it's more job satisfaction, it's all my own decisions, including the menu."

Paul Grieve at The Snack Shack.

And it's that menu that is proving a crowd pleaser.

Paul serves the classics of course, breakfast baps, burgers, paninis, but he's always looking to try something new - "I'm trying to get the workmen to have something a bit different".

There are daily specials, including a big hit earlier this year, which was his Braveheart Burger, featuring haggis, served during the Euros around the time of England v Scotland. For many it was the first time they had tried the traditional Scottish item, and it was a resounding thumbs up.

A favourite with customers and a bestseller is the Epic Burger - Southern fried chicken, hash browns, cheese, lettuce, sweet chilli and mayo, all in a big bun.

And as the weather cools down, Paul will be bringing back his 'dirty fries' - chips with chilli, nachos and cheese over the top.

We spend quite a bit more time talking about food - sausages, caramelised onions, our love and longing for lots of Scottish fare - and it's clear Paul is passionate about what he does.

Trade has continued to grow since opening and Paul receives lots of positive feedback about the freshly cooked food on offer.

His ethos is to serve food that he would like to eat himself, and takes on board suggestions from his customers.

At the moment he is a one-man operation, although his son lends a helping hand making the drinks on Fridays, proving to be one of the busiest days of the week.

And as if he wasn't busy enough, the hope is to eventually employ someone full-time so Paul can open a second Snack Shack.

Recently awarded a hygiene rating of 4, Paul has lots of plans to introduce new items to the menu in the coming months and looks forward to celebrating a year of being his own boss very soon!

• The Snack Shack is open from 7.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday, at the Thorncliffe Building Supplies yard in Alltami.

And there is also a Snack Shack Facebook page.