End of owners’ dream as cafe and gift shop closes
Harper’s ceases trading as pair forced to pull out of venture
The windows of Harper’s cafe and gift shop are dark this week, but hopefully not for long.
A notice on the cafe in Market Buildings, Maidstone, next to the entrance to the Royal Star Arcade, advises the business has ceased trading.
Harpers was bought by Frank Goodhind and his partner Serena Parker in June from the previous owner Kaye Joy, who had run the shop for eight years.
At the time, Mr Goodhind, from West Street, Wrotham, described it as his dream job.
This week Mr Goodhind said: “The closure of our shop has been extremely upsetting.
“We have worked extremely hard over the last 14 months to realise our dream for Harpers to become a destination venue for unique home and gift ware, quality food, home baked products and afternoon tea in a truly elegant setting, and we are rightly proud of our achievements in that regard.”
The 46-year-old added: “While Harpers still has enormous potential, a change in our personal circumstances has dictated that we are no longer able to sustain either the workload or the investment necessary to develop the business to the next level, and so, on seeking professional advice, we have had to close.”
On a more positive note, Mr Goodhind said: “I am however pleased to announce that we have secured buyers for the shop, a wonderful couple, who, as a husband and wife team, will be better able to take the busi- ness forward, and to build on our achievements. We expect the shop to be open again within a few weeks.”
Customers who have Groupon gift vouchers for the cafe can contact support@groupon.co.uk or call 0203 510 0444