A POPULAR Cockermouth businesswoman, who has operated in the town for almost a decade will be closing the doors on the much loved ‘Wild Zucchini’s’ to spend more time with her family and explore ‘new avenues’.
Manon Plouffe, has owned the Cockermouth favourite for nine years, growing fame in the town as a restaurant and later takeaway, starting out on Station Street in 2014 and later moving to Main Street in 2021.
Talking about her decision to close she said: "When I closed the restaurant, I did that to have a better work, life balance and spend more time with my granddaughter Ruby.
“The increase of the likes of the energy bills in the instance of the takeaway shop, and everything has gone up, it has been difficult to increase my prices because as a takeaway people expect a certain price- so it was either increase or me working more, which would defeat my ultimate objective which is to work less.
“In light of this it’s come to the place where it is time for me to pass the baton to someone else.”
The business is now for sale as a ‘going concern’ with Manon saying she believes there is ‘a lot of potential’ for someone who would be willing to put time in the business.
Manon said: “I am sad to see it go, because over the nine years Wild Zucchini’s has been running, we have built a really, good business. I have met so many people and we have got so many regulars who have been loyal over the years.
“We have got people who have become family friends, so that’s the sad part but on a positive side it opens up new avenues for me that I have been investing in anyways- I am going to do some celebrant work, because I have been training as a celebrant and I want to develop that, I always said that would be my last career.
“I want to spend more time with Ruby, to spend more time on the fells and I also want to look at supporting other local businesses.”
Manon is also carrying on with an outside catering business operating from her own kitchen.
READ MORE: Wild Zucchinis offers free Christmas dinner
The businesswoman grew fame in the town, for the ‘community hub’ element the bistro gave to the town- hosting people for free Christmas dinners, as well as various charity events and groups over the years.
She said: “I always found it to be more of a community hub than a restaurant, which was always my goal of what I wanted to do, I am not leaving with disappointment, I am leaving on a high with pride in what we have done and what Wild Zucchini’s has done in Cockermouth.
“Cockermouth for me, has always been a great place to be, it’s colourful, it’s a variety of people.”
Manon has taken the opportunity to thank all of her staff and loyal customers for all the ‘wonderful memories and laughter’ over the years.
If anyone is interested in taking over the business, which would be ready to move into, or wishes to redeem any outstanding vouchers they may have they can contact Manon on 07967378180.
READ MORE: Grandma Manon's slimming down - but still cooking up treats for all
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