An independent street food business in Pencoed, Bridgend, has permanently closed its doors after over a decade of operation. Chloe Evans, the owner of Lilo’s, cited the challenging economic climate and a recent road closure during a peak trading period as the final blow to her dream.
Key takeaways
- Lilo’s, a popular pasta takeaway, closed after 11 years of service.
- The closure was prompted by a road closure for gas works during the Easter bank holiday, a critical trading time.
- Chloe Evans expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the utility company and the impact of rising costs on small businesses.
Chloe Evans, who founded Lilo’s during her final year at university, announced the closure on social media, expressing her gratitude to loyal customers and reflecting on the journey of her business. The decision to shut down came after a series of challenges, including rising costs and the recent disruption caused by roadworks.
The road closure, which took place from April 18 to April 21, coincided with the Easter bank holiday, traditionally one of the busiest times for food businesses. Chloe reported a loss of approximately £4,000 due to the forced closure, which she described as the "final straw" in a series of difficulties faced by small businesses in the current economic climate.
Chloe voiced her disappointment regarding the timing of the gas works, stating that it showed a lack of consideration for local businesses. She had hoped to receive compensation for her losses but was informed that she was ineligible because her business had not been closed for 28 days.
"It was just annoying. It was planned works so it didn’t make sense why they would disrupt a business’s trade over the busiest bank holiday that I have," Chloe said.
Despite her efforts to communicate with Wales & West Utilities, Chloe felt that the company did not adequately support her during this challenging time. She noted that the lack of clear signage indicating that local businesses were still open further compounded the issue, leading to lost opportunities for new customers.
The impact of rising costs
In addition to the roadworks, Chloe highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by rising costs, including:
- Increased National Insurance and staff wages
- Higher food costs
Chloe explained that she had absorbed these costs for as long as possible but could no longer do so without raising prices, which she feared would alienate her customer base.
"I looked at the figures and realised that I’d have to charge at least a pound more per meal to actually cover these costs. It’s just not fair to pass that on to the customer all the time," she said.
The closure of Lilo’s marks a significant loss for the local community, which has seen a growing number of small businesses struggling to survive amid economic pressures. Chloe’s heartfelt farewell message resonated with many, as she thanked her customers for their support over the years and reflected on the passion that drove her to create Lilo’s.
A call for support
Chloe’s experience highlights the urgent need for greater support for small businesses, particularly during challenging times. As she steps away from her beloved venture, she hopes that her story will raise awareness of the struggles faced by independent businesses and encourage local communities to rally behind them.
In her closing remarks, Chloe stated, "Closing wasn’t an easy decision, but it feels like the right time. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve created and beyond grateful for everyone who supported me. Thank you for being part of my journey."
As the local community bids farewell to Lilo’s, the hope remains that more support will be provided to ensure the survival of small businesses in the future.
