A TRINITY café owner has shaved his head after a social media stunt to support small businesses struggling with roadworks disruption.
Joe Baugh, owner and chef at Rondels Farm Shop-based Hank Marvin, vowed online that if his road-diversion Facebook post reached 100 shares, he would shave his head to help boost visibility for the businesses affected by months of disruption on La Grande Route de St Jean.
Major roadworks and diversions started in the neighbouring parish of St John earlier this month and could run until February 2027. The work is part of upgrades to the sewage network.
Amid concerns of the impact on small businesses operating out of the Rondels Farm complex, the Parish of Trinity funded a series of signs directing customers to the Rondels complex, which also includes The Gooseberry Bush and Age Concern, during the closures.
But, to make sure even more Islanders were aware, Hank Marvin made a pledge on Facebook on 3 November that if their post highlighting how to get to Rondels reached one hundred shares, Mr Baugh would shave his head.
Possibly to Mr Baugh’s regret, the post quickly surpassed its target, and the café owner fulfilled his promise yesterday afternoon.
His partner Rachel, who also works at the restaurant, had the honour of doing the deed.
The Hank Marvin owners explained: “Since the roadworks began, mid-week trade has reduced dramatically, but weekends have been consistent for the time being.
“It didn’t help that the beginning of the road closures were disorganised and diversions including one-way routes were changed after they began.
“We’ve subsequently had to organise and fund our own signage to help people find their way.”
The couple explained that many of their northern customers got lost in the lanes on the way to the café, which meant they decided to take matters into their own hands with social media plea.
“Normally people don’t read to the end of the posts so we thought we’d have a bit of fun with it and just put it on there for a laugh, in the hope it would get a few more shares,” they said.
“The roadworks post reach has been mega which was our sole intention. We’re also staggered by the amount of people who shared it purely to see Joe with a shaved head.”
Following the shave, Mr Baugh said: “My head certainly is cold.
“It’s a good job our winter ski chalet is back, as it means I can probably get away with wearing a beanie without looking out of place.”
