A FAMILY-OWNED food truck on the north coast has raised concerns about the growing pressures facing small hospitality businesses – after saying it will be forced to close during one of its busiest days due to road closures planned as part of a motoring event.
Chris and Kimberley Le Sueur, who run the Horsebox Café at the Millennium Cross car park on Rue de Nord, said the temporary closure for the Jersey Rally in October comes amid a much wider struggle to keep their business afloat due to rising costs and weeks of roadworks.
“We had three weeks of roadworks in the area in the last few months and it cost us about 40% of our normal turnover, so we cannot afford to lose more in our high season,” said Mr Le Sueur.
The couple said the rally closure would take out nearly their entire trading window for the day, and despite being offered a spot in the nearby spectator area at L’Auberge du Nord, they have refused, having lost money when relocated during a previous rally.
“We pay to operate from that site [at Millennium Cross], our facilities are there, and people come for the view,” said Mr Le Sueur. “We did agree to move last time, and we lost money doing that, which is why we aren’t willing to move again.”
“It makes the difference between us paying our bills and making a loss, and that’s why it’s so upsetting.”
In addition to the impact of roadworks and road closures, the Le Sueurs have pointed to rising food and utility prices as well as fluctuating demand from customers as pressures facing their business.
“It causes anxiety,” they added. “Right now, in this business, you just cannot relax. You’re constantly trying to figure out how to drum up more business.”
Responding, rally organiser Richard Falle argued that the road closure is only for about five hours, with several months’ notice, and that the organisers work hard to minimise the impact on businesses and residents – but cannot accommodate every individual request or redesign the entire route for one business.
He said: “It just wouldn’t make sense to do a whole new route just so they can open for four hours on that day.”
“We’re bringing hundreds of people across to support the event. It’s probably the largest single sporting event to organise in the Island,” he said.
“We’ve tried to do as much as we can and I think it is important to clear up that we have not asked, suggested or insisted that any business closes as a result of a road closure.”
St John Centenier Andy Bisson added that the café had been offered an alternative location, and while he acknowledged the impact on the business, he said it would not be realistic to re-route the entire rally.
“It is very unfair to expect the rally to compensate, as this is a community event that only happens once a year,” he said.
Deputies Elaine Millar and Hillary Jeune, who represent the Parish, confirmed they had been in contact with the owners and had offered support and suggestions in recent weeks.
