Social Bite

Who we are

Social Bite was co-founded by Josh Littlejohn MBE and Alice Thompson in 2012, beginning life as a small coffee shop in Edinburgh. From the start, all profits went to good causes.  

Shortly after the Rose Street shop opened, a young man called Peter, who had been selling The Big Issue outside, plucked up the courage to come in and ask for a job. Recognising his initiative, Josh and Alice brought him onto the team. 

Seeing the impact stable employment had on Peter’s life convinced them to embed supported employment for people with experience of homelessness into the heart of the business. And they set a long-term aim to continue hiring people from a background of homelessness. Everything that’s happened since began with that first conversation. 

Our culture and values

We’re on a mission to end homelessness, driving systemic change towards a kinder society.

We’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, pioneering new ideas across food, homes, and jobs. We’re here to prove what works and share what we learn. We’re also committed to helping policymakers, local authorities, and employers support people out of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves dignity, stability, and opportunity.