Inverness business owner shares emotional statement as she makes changes to popular takeaway
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An Inverness caterer has decided to make some changes to her business to ensure that it continues for years to come.
Jenny Whyte, owner of Grazey Days, has taken to social media to issue an ‘emotional and raw’ statement where she shared that she has decided to reduce the days her Shore Street takeaway is open.
Having started her business during the pandemic with just £250 in her bank account she discussed the challenges she has navigated as a business owner.
She said: “Over these years I have somehow managed to build up a business on a wing and a prayer to where I am today.
“I have ridden the storm over these past four years. I have battled on. Every. Single. Day. Coming up with new ideas, growing the business, but never ever ever forgetting where I started.
“Times are tough just now for small businesses - more than ever. There’s absolutely no help available. Everything is on the rise. Margins are minimal, minimum wage has gone up, and don’t get me started on the electricity prices.
“My business does well - I have my outside catering, my hot food van, a delivery service, and a takeaway…and I’ve done this myself.
“From £250 to today, I can honestly say I’ve borrowed no money. I don’t have a credit card, no loan, no overdraft, my parents haven’t helped me either. So as I write this, and read back, I’m proud of not owing anyone anything and can hold my head high.”
Jenny shared how she is working 70 to 80 hour weeks, rarely takes a day off and that she pays her staff more wages than she takes home. She said how she thinks, ‘surely there’s more than this?’
She continued: “The Van makes me money. Outside catering makes me money, but unfortunately, the takeaway doesn’t. My staff are all in Monday to Thursday and they’re given a list of prep work to go through…and they all work so hard and I love them all…but come their finishing time, there’s still so much to do.
“I was getting angry and annoyed about it - I was having to stay late until 8pm just to get the prep finished.
“The reality of it is, is that the guys were getting pulled away from their prep to serve customers that came into the takeaway. Making them sandwiches, coffees etc. That isn’t their fault.
“I rush every morning to get the takeaway open at 9am, to sometimes not get a customer through the door till 10am.
“I’ve been turning down £400 buffets mid week as I couldn’t get it turned around for 9am before the takeaway opened….and then for me to not take in £400 in sales all day.
“The whole thing, upon reflection, is stupid and makes no sense.
“Outside catering is busy, and it’s getting busier. The Big G is busy, I can take on more business visits, and it’s getting busier. The takeaway is not. It breaks even. Which is great, but right now, in such tough times, that’s just not enough.
“I’ve cried a lot over the past couple of months, trying to go over everything in my head and do the right thing. But today I have decided to close the takeaway from Monday to Thursday and just keep it open on a Friday.”
In the honest statement, she also shared how she felt like that she had failed with the takeaway.
She said: “My mindset over the last month was that I’ve failed. Really failed. I’m letting everyone down. I’ve not succeeded in my takeaway as I’m making the decision to close.
“My mindset today after speaking to others are my thoughts have changed. My best mate said: ‘you’ve not failed at all. You’re moving your business in a different direction’.
“And my Dad said ‘it’s a no brainier Jenny, you have to do what makes you money’. And a fellow business owner said: ‘God Jenny you haven’t failed at all! It’s a rough time for businesses and being brave enough to adapt to it is to be admired’.
“So, I am. I’m being brave enough to focus on what’s best. I shall be focusing more on outside catering, micro meals, extra visits in The Big G, out of town visits in The Big G, and having some more ‘me’ time. This last bit is so important.”
Jenny will still open the takeaway on Fridays and shared how she will be keeping all her staff on.
“This week I will run as normal, but from May 6, we will only be open for Fat Friday. I’m so so so sorry to the amount of daily regulars we have that this affects. I don’t want you to think I’ve abandoned you. I just need to do what’s right for me and my business.
“The good news is, however, that none of my staff will be losing their jobs, or any of their contracted hours and I’m delighted about that. Without them, and their support over this move, I’d have packed it in months ago. So, thanks to each and every one of you.
“I’m greeting writing this, it’s been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Please stay with me guys - I’d be lost without you all.”
