Charlaine Dunham started Little Owls after an 18-year career in financial services, feeling the pull to pursue a new direction that better aligned with her values and desire for community involvement. When a nearby food premises became available, she saw the chance to create a welcoming space that would provide meaningful jobs and high-quality food for the local community.
“It was a leap of faith, but I wanted a space where locals could enjoy decent food, where I could employ people from the community, and have the freedom to make my own decisions,” Charlaine explains. “The name and logo of Little Owls were inspired by my two children and the owls local to Alva. I wanted something cute and quirky that also connected to our family.”
With six months of hard work from Charlaine and her husband, Little Owls Café opened its doors, bringing a fresh and friendly vibe to Alva’s food scene.
Little Owls began as a small takeaway operation but quickly adapted in response to the pandemic. During lockdowns, Charlaine introduced afternoon teas and treat boxes, allowing her to stay connected to customers while providing comfort in challenging times. After restrictions lifted, she revamped the space to seat up to 20 guests, creating a cosy, intimate café open five days a week.
“Our menu grew with us,” Charlaine shares. “Now, we serve breakfast, lunch, and a huge variety of homemade cakes. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and hard work, but it’s rewarding. I love knowing that I’m building something for my children and creating an environment where my staff have a say in the business.”
With a team of five or six passionate individuals, Little Owls is a tight-knit crew where everyone’s input is valued. Charlaine has cultivated a workspace where staff can express their ideas and feel a true sense of ownership.
“We’re a small team, but each person brings their own character,” she says. “It was important to me that everyone has a voice. Together, we’ve created a space for fresh, hearty dishes and a welcoming atmosphere for our community.”
Little Owls has become known for its generous portions, signature sandwiches, loaded fries, and – of course – the irresistible homemade cakes that customers come back for again and again.
Little Owls is more than just a café; it’s a community supporter. Charlaine actively gives back, offering vouchers to local charities and community groups and supporting organisations like Andy’s Man Club and Wee County Crafters.
“Our community means everything to us,” says Charlaine. “It’s why we’ve hosted charity nights and even organized a Santa Supper for the holidays. I want Little Owls to be a place where people feel connected, whether they’re here for a meal or stopping by for a chat.”
Charlaine’s commitment to her community has not gone unnoticed. Just one year after opening, Little Owls was recognised as a finalist in the local business awards – a proud milestone for a small business with a big heart.
As Little Owls grows, so do Charlaine’s dreams for the café. She hopes to expand the product range, possibly offering wholesale cakes to local farm shops and stores and envisions a larger space to welcome even more guests.
“There’s so much potential, and I’d love to reach more people,” she says. “This business is a labour of love, and every day I’m inspired by our customers and my team to keep pushing forward.”
Little Owls Café | Bakery | Kitchen
86 Stirling Street, Alva, FK12 5EA
Tel: 01259 762277
Website: www.littleowlscafe.co.uk
Facebook: Little Owls Cafe
Instagram: @littleowlscafe.bakery.kitchen
