Our latest business profile focuses on Dnisi – the independent, family-owned coffee roasters and eaterie at 66 Quarry Street. We caught up to find out more …
Dnisi was established in 2004 – founded by Denise & Haim Nejat. They “specialise in our own store-roasted coffee, award-winning home-made scones & fresh, handmade food.”
How did they get into the business? Denise & Haim explain: “As passionate coffee experts, we wanted to create our own perfect blend and offer customers a micro-roasted coffee experience which would offer unrivaled depth, freshness and flavour.” They adds: “We are also strong believers in family & community and wanted to create spaces where coffee, community & great food could come together.”
They have certainly achieved that goal in Hamilton!
As with any family-run business, there is always inspiration on the journey. Haim says: “Much of our inspiration came from our grandmothers. Denise grew up in Kirkintilloch enjoying her grandmother’s well-loved scones, picking up secrets from the family recipe that are still used to create our award-winning scones today.”
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Haim’s childhood was rooted in his grandmother’s traditional Persian cooking and “enveloped in the aroma of an ever-hot pot of strong coffee“. He says: “You can see this not only in our passion for amazing coffee, but in our menu which has a subtle modern Persian influence in many of our dishes and daily specials.”
Dnisi has grown over the years and they now have 6 branches across Scotland. It could be a crowded market place unless you set out your stall to be different: we asked Denise & Haim to describe Dnisi’s USP? “Our own blend of micro-roasted coffee, which is roasted in stores daily for maximum freshness … and then add in our contemporary, award winning scones with their unique flavour twists.” They are also proud to be among the first independent coffee shops in Scotland to offer CBD wellness shots with their drinks.
Today, they employ around 50 members of staff. Haim says: “Our store teams are amazing. Every one of them is passionate and provides great customer service. Our team in Hamilton is headed up by Lynne who has been with us for over 10 years.”
Looking back on the last 17 years, we asked Denise and Haim if they could highlight what they see as their greatest achievement. Haim replies: “There’s been so many amazing moments of achievement that it is difficult to choose the greatest! We have been honoured over the years to receive awards for our Barista Skills, Coffee Roasting and, of course, our famous scones!”
As with all who feature on our business profiles, we asked what they’d recommend for visitors to Hamilton: “You can’t beat a long walk around the breath-taking grounds of Chatelherault Country Park – and once the walk has worked up your appetite, a visit to Dnisi of course for some delicious food, sweet treats and a caffeine fix!”
Need more?
When you can, pop in to see them at 66 Quarry Street and, before you do, make sure you register for their loyalty card as we’re sure you’ll be returning soon!
You can visit their website via this link and their site includes an online shop so you can enjoy their fabulous coffee at home too!
Follow them on social media using these links – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
If you’d like to get in touch direct, drop them an email via this link or you can call them on 01698 284920.
Thanks for reading!
