A popular family-run café, well-known for its tasty lunches, has announced that it will no longer serve food after having difficulties finding a chef that suits the business’ needs.
Parkers Café in Shortbridge Street, Newtown said it will primarily be a coffee shop selling hot drinks, toast and cakes from Saturday, January 27, and will be serving its full breakfast menu until 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
But the café, which prides on using local produce, will be opening six days a week after announcing it will re-open on Mondays on a date yet to be confirmed.
Tina Lovatt, cafe owner, said: "This is not a decision that has been made lightly. This is a result of two plus years of excruciatingly hard work from myself and my staff.
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"We have trialled many chefs but could not find one that fit our business needs and we are not willing to compromise the quality of our food.
"The national lack of interest in catering, teamed with the economic downturn and the cost of energy bills and stock prices rocketing, has had a massive impact on the hospitality trade.
"I know that I am not alone here, and many other business owners reading this will understand.
"Running both businesses simultaneously with skeleton staff has had a massive impact on my personal life. This is something that I am not willing to sacrifice any further.
"No amount of money in the world could replace my time, health, or family.
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"This is not the end of the road for Parkers. This is a new direction for us, and I hope that we will receive your continuing support through this transition until we have found our feet."
Parkers, which is also a five-star bed and breakfast, went up for sale last year for a price tag of around £500,000 as Tina plans to retire and spend more time with her family.
She paid tribute to her "absolutely wonderful" staff and customers who have been with her every step of the way since transforming the “dilapidated” building into an award-winning business over an 11-year period.
For more information about Parkers, contact Halls Commercial on 01743 450700.
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