PROSPECTIVE restaurateurs are being sought to take over a popular peninsula eatery and ensure it retains its place “at the heart of the community”.
The Harvest Moon Deli in Clynder is in need of new owners and comes with an asking price of £150,000.
Zoe Strong, who has owned the Shore Road business and ran it with partner Hugh since 2018, said they had made the decision “with heavy hearts” to sell up.
A social media post last week read: “Lockdown has been tough for everyone but as restrictions start to lift, we’ve taken on new commitments ourselves which mean that we’re just not able to give the business the time and commitment it needs and deserves.
“We’ve no doubt that this will be our busiest summer ever once we’re all free again so it’s time to pass the baton on to someone new.
“We can’t tell you how grateful we are to our wonderful customers that have kept us going through the last year.”
READ MORE: New owners being sought for popular cafe near Helensburgh
Last month the Advertiser reported on another local eatery seeking new owners, after Fergus Madigan - who runs The Perch Cafe in Garelochhead - announced that he is open to offers above £45,000 for the business.
Harvest Moon Deli, which operates as a cafe during the day and a restaurant in the evenings, has a dedicated local following and Zoe said she and Hugh had worked hard to establish its reputation over the years.
She told the Advertiser: “We’ve prided ourselves on cooking everything from fresh and using as much local produce as possible.
“As with any new business, it was hard work and long hours but pre Covid we had established a successful business with customers coming to us from all over Argyll and Bute.
“We have taken the very difficult decision to sell because during the pandemic, like many others, our business has been significantly affected resulting in us both taking on other work to make ends meet. I’m now back to working as a lawyer full time and Hugh has been working hard starting his own business up working with young people not engaging in mainstream education or struggling with their mental health and using forum theatre to steer them into making better choices.
“This has meant that we just can’t give the business the time and commitment needed during what we know will be a very busy summer, once the Covid restrictions are lifted.
“We still live in Clynder and have no plans to move as we love it here. Facebook is a very public forum to advertise the business on but we are hoping that this may attract someone local to buy it, who will continue to make sure that the business stays at the heart of the community.
“There’s clearly a need and a desire for a business of this type in the area.
“Since opening we’ve received fantastic support from the locals, for which we’re really grateful. We know that the new owners will receive the same support and are excited to see how the business develops in the future.”
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