The States leases 19 kiosks across Guernsey, which are undertaken by tenants on a three-year lease basis. However, three kiosks this year are currently not leased despite high season approaching.
Cobo mobile kiosk, Rousse and La Valette are all out to tender but so far remain vacant.
Rousse Kiosk was the latest to suffer closure after a nine-year tenancy was not renewed and it appears business has become more challenging in recent years.
‘I’ve run the kiosk here [Port Soif] for the past six years, my sister ran it for two before that, and my dad and step mum ran it for 26 years before that,’ said Ms Schimek.
‘Our gardens have increased but the building hasn’t – so while we can accommodate for more visitors we have to do so within the confines of a small kitchen. There’s little flexibility and you really have to put the hours in 10-6 every day from Good Friday to the end of September, at least.’
Working all hours across the short season in order to compensate for the minimal footfall of the shoulder months means that managers are there ‘24/7’ and smaller kiosks cannot afford to employ staff.
‘Finding staff has grown increasingly difficult over recent times.
‘For one you have to do a rota as if we are at our busiest but if there is any weather change then the hours simply aren’t there and who wants an unreliable job.
‘A second issue comes with licences, with the five-year set up it is very difficult to secure someone, especially in the kitchen, who has no permanence in staying here and no-one local will do the job. So we are stuck,’ said Ms Schimek.
Manager of Portelet Kiosk, John Dodd, said: ‘It’s not getting any easier.
A lack of visitors, reduction in tourism – they all play a part.
‘However if you want to run the kiosk, rain or shine, you’ve got to be down here permanently, 10 until 6 everyday.
‘Smaller kiosks simply cannot afford to take on staff.’
Aside from toil and dedication a successful kiosk comes down to quality service, produce and uniqueness. ‘We are so lucky to have our regular locals,’ said Ms Schimek, ‘Some come here almost every day and provide a backbone to our customer base.
‘We get some great reviews online and we are known for our crab sandwiches.’
Mr Dodd, added: ‘Everybody is subjective and how they run the kiosk will depend on their approach but that in itself can help you thrive.’
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