Utopia Café owner faces 'soul destroying' situation as Inverness-based business may close
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A POPULAR café in Hilton has appealed for help as it faces permanent closure over staffing issues.
Established only three years ago by Inverness local Kevin Paterson, Utopia Café fast became a favourite in the Inverness food scene providing fresh, local goods.
However, sole owner Mr Paterson is facing closure as he struggles to keep up with the huge demand.
He has been facing difficulties for months in recruiting roles and is struggling to see signs of improvement, which saw the café temporarily close over the last few weeks.
It is a situation he described as 'soul destroying'.
Mr Paterson said: "It's been a dream since I was at school. I worked in hospitality from the age of 13 in the food industry.
"It's been amazing at times, we've been so lucky to have such high demand overnight. Within five minutes of opening on the first day it was full.
"The prices are going up week on week. Literally every single cost has gone up.
"It's nearly sent me over the edge over the last three years trying to keep it all together. It would be crushing to think that the demand is there for the business but we can't serve it."
Mr Paterson is desperately seeking a chef to keep the business afloat, something that he said was difficult before the pandemic, but is even worse now.
He is offering a wage of £12-15 an hour, a good work-life balance and schedule.
He posted an emotional plea on Facebook today, describing the difficulties that have come with the huge popularity of his business.
He immediately received a huge outpouring of support and well wishes on the post.
One person wrote "I am so sorry, my heart breaks for you. We love your café" and another said "all the best, Utopia is the absolute best café in Inverness."
To offer assistance, email Kevin on kev@utopiacafe.net or call on 07784949415.
