On Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3B Catering Ltd will cease operations of the cafe and shop at The Strathdearn in Tomatin.
White River Trading (WRT) recognises the importance of the shop and cafe to the Strathdearn community, and remains committed to providing these services going forward.
For nearly two years, 3B Catering has operated the 3 Bridges Cafe at The Strathdearn and, in November 2022, extended its remit to include the shop.
Since its inception, the shop has not generated the required level of turnover to be viable as a self-sustaining service, but it has been recognised as a vital community resource. Under charity regulations, Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) – a charitable organisation, and the parent company of WRT – cannot subsidise the running of the shop as the basis of its operation.
Early attempts to run the shop and cafe individually were unsuccessful, so 3B Catering brought the two together in 2022 to keep both open and available for the community.
Over the last year, spiralling energy costs have added increased pressure on the business, despite support from WRT through periodic rent concessions. With the current lease due to expire in September 2024, WRT is unable to enter into discussions about future leases this far in advance. With this unknown, 3B Catering deemed it not viable to pursue investment in developing the business or seeking funding options. As a result, 3B Catering decided that it cannot continue to operate the shop and cafe in the current climate.
Charlotte Kennerley, owner of 3B Catering, said: “I wish to thank my loyal staff for their extremely hard work over the period, and thank you to the community for your support throughout the time we have run the cafe and shop.”
The WRT board added: “We would like to thank Charlotte and the team at 3B Catering for everything they have done in the cafe and shop over the last two years, providing services for locals and visitors alike.”
Moving forward, SCD and WRT have been working with a third party adviser to assess the viability of running the shop and cafe in-house, and to compare its operations to other similar businesses in the Highlands. As a result, WRT intends to operate the cafe and shop going forward, and more information will be announced in due course.
While every effort will be made to provide continuity for the community, during the transition from 3B Catering to WRT there may be some minor disruption including temporary closure of the shop and cafe. However, efforts will be made to run a reduced shop service within The Strathdearn during this time, if possible.
SCD and WRT appreciate your patience while the new operation is put in place to continue providing this vital service to the Strathdearn community.
