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Cawdor Deli could go on the market in 2025 after ‘hardest year’ for Whisk business owner





A Nairnshire village business is set to go on the market as its owner decided to take a step back after the birth of her first child, after what has been described as a challenging year.

Cawdor Deli, which was taken over by Nyomi Dixon - who is also behind Whisk Away and Wee Whisk cafes in Inverness - in December 2023, is set to go on the market in 2025.

In a recent Facebook post on Cawdor Deli’s Facebook page, Ms Dixon - who was also expecting a baby - shared that this was a difficult decision, however that she decided to take a step back and “enjoy becoming a mum” after what has been “the hardest year” since she started her Whisk venture five years ago.

She said: “What a year 2024 was. Five years in business and it definitely has been the hardest one yet. Loads more challenges than achievements for sure. It makes you think a lot about what works, what doesn't and how to move forward and still smile.”

After the main Inverness branch of Whisk Away cafe on Queensgate closed in spring 2024, the new venue for Whisk Away cafe, called Wee Whisk, on Culcabock Road, was opened in August, but was forced to close in November - along with Mexican takeaway Bellissimo Burrito, which had been trading from the cafe’s premises.

Locator - Wee Whisk at 42 Culcabock Road
Locator - Wee Whisk at 42 Culcabock Road

“Whisk had a great year with outside catering events but moving to a location which was sold as cafe when in actual facts is an office forced the closure of our baby,” said Ms Dixon in the post.

“That itself has enough legal obstacles to blow your mind. We have several events in the summer and we will focus on them before even thinking about next steps there.”

She took over the Cawdor cafe and shop just more than a year ago, after former owners Audrey and John Wallace decided to retire after running it for more than a decade.

Although the business started on a positive note, the various ongoing challenges impacted this side of the business too.

“Cawdor had more positives, with extension of opening hours, alcohol license been approved and pizza nights went down really well too. Loads was planned for 2024, but everything in the background made that difficult to achieve.

“The shop aspect of it has never really worked so we have reduced our offerings to the more Deli-like foods, more lunch options and the household aisle. This will make way for a bigger kitchen to be able to launch our bistro evening menu and bring Whisk’s baking onto the premises.

“2025 however will see Cawdor Deli go on the market for someone who can put all their energy into it. I have another bigger focus that I want to enjoy and cherish so this has been a difficult decision but one I know is for best.”

She concluded saying she is holding out to a great start to 2025, thanking everyone for the support and love through difficult months.

Commenting on the announcement, she said: “Obviously I have been through quite a lot in the last 12 months and my responsibilities and priorities have changed.

“Cawdor has been so successful and been a joy especially with the regulars and support from customers we have had for five years, however staffing and travelling has been a factor that has led to the decision to sell.

“The main reason is obviously that my daughter has been born, and life is too short and I want to enjoy this.”


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