Lack of staff causing headache for owners of popular Badenoch eatery
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One of the strath's most popular places for a bite to eat has had to switch to a takeaway service temporarily because of staff shortages and food supply issues.
The Old Post Office in Kincraig has announced that it is unable to provide its usual high quality of service for customers sitting in or outside the cafe as a result.
The shortage of staff is becoming an increasing headache for business owners in the strath.
Toni Vastano, who runs the cafe and art gallery with his wife Ann, has cited the lack of local affordable housing and Brexit for the headache which has come so soon after the Covid lockdown.
He stated: "Unfortunately due to staff shortages and supply issues we have made the decision to operate a takeaway only service for the rest of this month.
"It’s very frustrating for us all as we want to provide you with the best quality service and destination experience we can.
"However, due to lack of staff and chain supply issues of quality products we are unable to open inside and outside seating.
"We like many other services at this time are affected by lack of affordable housing, Brexit and supply.
"We are working hard behind the scenes to correct the issues.
"Please be patient we’re on it."
David Richardson, development manager for the Highlands and Islands branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said that the problem with staffing was becoming increasingly common across the region.
He said: "Staff shortages are hitting tourism and hospitality businesses hard everywhere. Over four in ten employers across all sectors and the whole region don’t have enough staff to meet their needs, and around a half of these have had to cut services, opening hours or both."
He said the FSB has been conducting a survey of its members to try and get to the heart of this and other issues threatening businesses to try and find some answers.
The takeaway service opens today at the Old Post Office from 10am.
