THE OWNER of much-loved and popular cafe in Dursley has reacted to its imminent closure.
The Hummingbird Cafe in Parsonage Street will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, April 22.
The cafe and restaurant - which specialises in Caribbean food - has been a staple in Dursley for a decade.
It opened its doors for the first time in 2013 on Silver Street before moving to the high street.
Owner Suzi Abraham told the Gazette that the closure had been an ‘upsetting’ decision to make.
“After ten years of running the Hummingbird, sadly I have had to make the decision to close,” she said.
“This was not a decision that was made lightly and it wasn’t due to lack of trade.
“But unfortunately due to rising costs and in particular increases in wages; it made it no longer viable to continue as we were.
“It was extremely upsetting having to tell the team, I felt wholly responsible for putting them out of jobs and we have become so close over the years; we have created our own family.
“The other reason it was so upsetting was because of our very loyal customers, some of which have been with us from the beginning, ten years ago.
“We have become very close with our customers over the years and shared many happy (and sad) moments with them.
“We have had many laughs together such as the coach trips to Weston-Super-Mare and Christmas shopping in Cardiff, karaoke on the coach, all our evening events including the Grease performance that none of us can ever forget.
“We have also shared many sad and difficult times together.
“But it was the amazing staff that made the Hummingbird what it is.
“They worked hard and naturally created a kind, caring and fun environment where people enjoy spending time alone or with friends and family.
“So I want to say a huge thank you to all my Hummingbirds. This is definitely the end of an era.”
Tony Davey, the chair of Stroud district chamber of trade said: “News of the closure of another, long established, business is very sad.
“Our thoughts are with Suzi and her team - I understand just how difficult these decisions are to make.
“Businesses across the country find themselves in a very similar position.
“The cost of supplies is not dropping, wages need to rise to reflect changes in legislation and the need to pay staff a fair wage and retain them, plus energy costs remain high - especially for those in Hospitality.
“Businesses can be trapped between the need to raise costs and the awareness that there is a ceiling above which their customers cannot afford to pay.
“Unlike some chains, dropping standards to meet an unrealistic price point is not a consideration for most independent businesses.
“Whilst the economy continues to struggle and both businesses and consumers are under such financial pressure, we will continue to witness such losses to our towns and their communities.
“Supporting local businesses is vital to help ensure they are there for us, but that alone is not the only assistance many need.”
The cafe will reopen for a clearance sale on Saturday, April 29.
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