While opening a business is never without risks, it seems Creston entrepreneurs are facing momentous challenges in 2024.
Just this year, at least 10 businesses have closed their doors. Local restaurants especially seem to be struggling to stay afloat. Some have changed hands, like Real Food Cafe’s location re-opening as Busaba Thai. Some have closed due to staff health, like Retro Cafe and Mad Mex Express. Others meanwhile have closed permanently, such as community-favourite Sushi Garden.
Melanie Joy, president of Chamber of Commerce, said the current economic climate makes it a difficult time to own a restaurant and see adequate profits.
“You only have to go into the grocery stores right now to see how much the cost of food is,” she said. “And here in our valley, it is even more of a struggle because getting supplies into Creston is actually pretty expensive. It costs us more because we are in a remote place.”
Hiring and retaining qualified staff is also a hurdle for a small town in the midst of a housing crisis. Rental units are scarce and costly even when they do become available.
“Especially when employees are making around minimum wage, it's pretty hard to afford a place to live, even if you can find one,” said Joy.
The cost of paying employees also rises with minimum wage increases and mandatory sick pay, which adds to the expenses.
“If you are a small business, it just impacts you that much more,” Joy said. “We do know that restaurants try to keep their costs low on their menus because they want to make going out for a meal still viable and enjoyable, but at the same time, they have their staff to pay, they have their overhead to pay, they have the food costs to pay.”
The silver lining is there is always someone ready to take the leap and try a new venture in Creston. Since May, a new book store, distillery and cafe have started welcoming customers.
“When there's new businesses that open, change hands, or try something different, people get really excited about new opportunities,” said Joy. “We feel that the community is so supportive of local businesses, and that really helps.”
To be successful, her advice to entrepreneurs is to connect with each other.
“There's ways that we can help each other, with sharing information or concerns. I think businesses are really good about that,” she said. “The more we talk, the more solutions that we can find. Hang in there, and if there are any issues, the chamber is always happy to help too.”
