Popular coffee house, restaurant, and bar in Sandymoor closes temporarily in search of new owner amid staffing challenges.
The current owner, Dave, shared a heartfelt statement. He mentioned “various problems” as the reason. Finding reliable staff was a big issue. They struggled to hire a general manager.
They went through many chefs and supervisors. Dave wonders if it reflects post-COVID hospitality challenges. It could also be generational work ethic differences. This led to inconsistent service and mediocre events.
Menus also changed too frequently. Otterburns’ reputation suffered as a result. The community sometimes critiqued them harshly. Dave said the online criticism was overwhelming.
He stated pleasing everyone proved difficult. He noted some adults made young servers cry. They tried hard to meet expectations. They offered live music, deals, and Sky Sports.
They have a good Google review score. They also have over 3,500 social media followers. Community support matters most, though. Dave feels they may have lost this support.
He knows customers simply wanted good food and drinks. It should also be at fair prices. He understands they often succeeded. He believes a new owner can succeed too.
Dave hopes the community will support them. He hopes everyone will give them a chance. Dave asks people to be kind always. He said running any business is hard work.
Government rules are tough, and suppliers add stress. Even a simple coffee takes effort. They might use their “Otterburns 2 Go” van soon. They’ll sell breakfast and lunch items outside. This will last until they sell the business eventually. He ended with “Goodbye.”