Restaurant managed by shareholders

The Balade gourmande, a village restaurant in Soudorgues, has been run by a group of over 100 shareholders since 2019. This change came after the previous owners, Hélène and Angelo, left, and was initiated by Nicole Daumet and Jean-Louis Fine, who helped revive the restaurant.

Community investment in the restaurant

The shareholders have contributed significantly to the restaurant, spending 10,000 € on various improvements like a sanitary clearance, a gazebo, an apartment renovation, and a kitchen redo. Much of this work was done by volunteers, which helped keep costs low.

Challenges with staffing and management

The restaurant originally had a full-time chef, but most of them left after a year. Volunteers then stepped in to fill the gaps. Eventually, the shareholders realized that for a café-restaurant, the chef should have the final say in operations.

Cultural events and recent changes

The volunteers also hosted conferences and concerts, drawing visitors from nearby areas. This summer, two chefs successfully ran two shows per week. However, they have now decided to leave, leaving the restaurant without a chef again.

Shareholders consider selling the restaurant

The shareholders are now thinking about selling the restaurant, as their patience is running out. They hope the new owners will be a family, to help with staff shortages at the local school. The sale is expected to result in a loss, but the shareholders stress they did not aim to profit.

Urgency to find a buyer

The shareholders are under pressure to find a buyer quickly, as the restaurant has monthly operating costs of 600 to 700 € even when not in use. They are calling for people who care about the restaurant to get involved in the process.