About Us

We are Footprint Cafes

Footprint Cafes aspires to become the first global chain of social enterprise book cafes linking our prosperous global tourist industry with prosperous local communities.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. It accounts for 1 in every 10 jobs on our planet and generates approximately 10% of global GDP. Sadly, thriving local tourist markets do not always mean thriving local communities. For many tourism offers only seasonal, poorly paid work which is vulnerable to shocks such as natural disasters or unrest. It is common for big companies not local people to profit from the industry and often the growing volume of tourists puts a strain on natural resources already under pressure. In short, business as usual is not having the positive impact that it could. We want to change that.

We believe that most tourists want to have a positive impact on the places they visit. We believe that most tourists want a high quality, affordable, authentic dining experience. From these beliefs Footprint Cafes was born.

Footprint Cafes offers an easy, enjoyable, affordable way for tourists to give back to host communities simply by visiting our cafes. Each café is built on our three P’s model of: People, Planet, Profit.

People

Providing excellent employment conditions for our local teams and investing in their future through training and skills development allowing them to follow their dreams.

Planet

Sourcing ethically & locally wherever we can as well as doing all we can to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Profit

100% of net profits given as grants back to the local community as educational and entrepreneurial grants decided by a local committee.

We established our first café in Siem Reap, Cambodia in November 2016. Thanks to the generosity of angel investor Dr Darrin Disley, we have start up funding for the first three cafes. As a brand we will grow in towns around the world that have thriving tourist markets but pressing social needs.

Our customers are guaranteed the same high quality, friendly service wherever they are, along with a delicious local menu, safe in the knowledge that their spending power is having a positive impact.

Footprint Cafes is not associated with any faith other than the power of kindness, opportunity and great coffee. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our Journey So Far

Our journey so far

2022

Dec 2022

Golden Voice Launched In Siem Reap

‘The Golden Voice’ is launched in Siem Reap from The Dr Darrin M. Disley OBE Enterprise Centre. The graphic novel traces the life of Ros Sereysothea, a young woman who would forever change the landscape of Cambodia’s rock n’ roll. Like most artists of her time, Ros Sereysothea did not survive the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Her music nevertheless still inspires generations today. The launch party brings to life Cambodia’s rich rock heritage thanks to Pich Hemrith.

Dec 2022

Footprint Cafes – Koh Phangan First Monthly Profits

Footprint Cafes – Koh Phangan, which opened during the Covid crises, records its first monthly profits.

2023

Feb 2023

Footprint’s First Movie Premier

Footprint Cafes – Koh Phangan, hosts Footprint’s first movie premier. The double bill features ‘Crystal Island’, a short movie about the island of Koh Phangan and Jake Wachtel’s ‘KarmaLink’, a new sci-fi movie set in near future Cambodia. Jake Wachtel tells the team on the night that part of the movie was written in Footprint Cafes – Siem Reap.

Mar 2023

Large Scale International Tourism Returns

Both Footprint Cafes begin the financial year with monthly profits as large scale international tourism returns to both Cambodia and Thailand.

Aug 2023

Footprint Wraps Up Its UK Charity

Footprint Cafes CIO, Footprint’s UK based charity, closes having seen both cafes through the worst of covid and with no immediate plans for a new cafe. Both cafes remain true to the original business model as an independent cafe collective.

2024

Jan 2024

First Eco Tuesday!

Developing the idea of of the successful series ‘Enterprise Tuesdays’ from Cambridge Judge Business School, Footprint Cafes – Koh Phangan starts ‘Eco Tuesdays’. Eco Tuesdays aim to bring together island businesses, initiatives and individuals focused on the green sustainable development of Koh Phangan. As the island enters an unprecedented period of land sales and development, it is hoped the talks will spread awareness of green alternatives and create a strong network of likeminded individuals and businesses. The series kicks off with John Fitton of EcoThailand who outlines the work, obstacles and successes of his organization.

Jan 2024

Enterprise Tuesday returns to Siem Reap

Enterprise Tuesday returns to Siem Reap for the first time post Covid. Craig Dodge of the dazzling Phare the Cambodian Circus talks us through their journey from an art therapy group in a refugee camp to an internationally touring social enterprise circus surviving and thriving post covid.

“The miracle and magic of Phare is people discovering and developing their inner beauty and talent, to find hope out of hopelessness, and achieve dreams they never before imagined possible”.

Feb 2024

Eco Tuesday Bamboo Building