CAFE ‘CAN’T AFFORD TO SERVE HOT FOOD’
A POPULAR beachside cafe will stop serving hot food after this weekend because the owners say they can’t afford to do so any longer.
The Dennis Cafe on Castle Beach in Tenby is the latest business to fall victim to the cost-of-living crisis.
Owners Mike Linday and his daughter Ebony said the decision had caused “a lot of sleepless nights” but they had no other option – it was stop selling food or risk going out of business altogether.
Mike, who has run the cafe for 32 years, said the fuel bills have soared from £15,000 to £50,000, rent for the premises from Pembrokeshire Council has gone up 10% and wage bills by 5%.
By no longer serving hot food, they can save on gas and electricity.
Many hospitality businesses have been struggling to cope with rising costs in recent months. Raw materials, fuel, rent and wage bills have risen.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds, I always change if I have to. We’ll still be selling drinks and cakes, takeaway sandwiches and ice creams,” said Mike.
“We’ll also do food on specials nights. We’ll take orders so we know how many are coming. We are busy all the time but prices have gone up. We’re not closing.”
Mike said the beach location was perfect in the sunshine but takings are hit when the weather is bad.
“This has not been a decision that we have come to lightly and has led to a lot of sleepless nights for us. Due to the rising energy costs, food costs and general running of a business we have decided that this weekend will be the last weekend that our kitchen will be open,” Mike and Ebony said.
“In order for us to remain open as a business and not to close down completely this is the best way for us to do so moving forward.
“We will still be available for private functions and will still be offering catering as an option for these, we will also be having pop-up theme nights throughout the summer.”
Posting the news on the cafe’s Facebook page, they added: “We hope you all understand this decision as this business means more to us than anyone will ever know and we’d hate to lose it.”
The kitchen will be closed from tomorrow but the cafe and Didi Dens will remain open for homemade cakes, coffees, Pembrokeshire ice creams, beach goods and more.
It’s the latest in a string of businesses affected by rising costs.
One of the most acclaimed restaurant groups in Wales said it faced a “mind-blowing” annual electricity bill of £500,000 across its five sites.
The 44 group has warned the independent restaurant sector could be almost “wiped out” by fuel price rises.