Following 25 years of operation, the Fig Tree pub and restaurant outside Gonubie will shut its doors for good in just over a month, having fallen victim to the roadworks.
Situated on the Gonubie Main Road, the Fig Tree has been running at a loss for months after regulars, put off by the roadworks, stayed away in droves.
“All our clients have said they would be back once the road is finished, but we can’t keep throwing good money after bad,” said Colleen Crous, who owns the Fig Tree with her husband Alex. “We are upset.”
The couple have sold the more than six hectare property with its function hall, pub, restaurant, deck and picturesque mashie golf course to a Johannesburg-based construction company which will develop it into an upmarket residential estate.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch this week, the Crous’ daughter Belinda Rogerson, who manages the Fig Tree, said the roadworks had “killed” their business.
“It’s very sad. The majority of our customers find the road too dangerous. The locals were also getting home (to Gonubie) too late.
“We went from busy to dead.”
Rogerson said the business, renowned for its ribs and steaks, had also taken a knock due to Christmas function and wedding cancellations.
“A lot of Christmas functions were cancelled – that business would have carried us. Last year we had between 60% and 70% less weddings than in 2013.
“One bride-to-be was rear-ended when she braked to turn off the road as she was coming here to pay her deposit. She cancelled, saying she could not put guests through that.”
Rogerson said her parents had first been approached by the buyers at the beginning of last year.
“They told them we were not on the market. We didn’t realise the impact the roadworks would have.”
She said 17 jobs would be lost.
“My parents tried to hang on because of the staff and even took an extra bond out but we have been running at a loss for months.
“The employees are very sad, but said they could see how quiet we’ve been and they were expecting this.”
Other businesses situated on the main road said they had also received complaints about the road widening process.
Athlone Guest Cottages owner Barbara Hoffman said although most regular guests remained loyal, some described the roadworks as “a pain”.
“We’ve had lots of whinges about the traffic and logjams.
“Some say they will return when the roadworks are complete, but luckily most have been very loyal.”
Brooklyn Lodge manager Jade du Randt said some walk-in guests were unsure how to access the lodge. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Gonubie road upgrade kills off pub trade
Situated on the Gonubie Main Road, the Fig Tree has been running at a loss for months after regulars, put off by the roadworks, stayed away in droves.
“All our clients have said they would be back once the road is finished, but we can’t keep throwing good money after bad,” said Colleen Crous, who owns the Fig Tree with her husband Alex. “We are upset.”
The couple have sold the more than six hectare property with its function hall, pub, restaurant, deck and picturesque mashie golf course to a Johannesburg-based construction company which will develop it into an upmarket residential estate.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch this week, the Crous’ daughter Belinda Rogerson, who manages the Fig Tree, said the roadworks had “killed” their business.
“It’s very sad. The majority of our customers find the road too dangerous. The locals were also getting home (to Gonubie) too late.
“We went from busy to dead.”
Rogerson said the business, renowned for its ribs and steaks, had also taken a knock due to Christmas function and wedding cancellations.
“A lot of Christmas functions were cancelled – that business would have carried us. Last year we had between 60% and 70% less weddings than in 2013.
“One bride-to-be was rear-ended when she braked to turn off the road as she was coming here to pay her deposit. She cancelled, saying she could not put guests through that.”
Rogerson said her parents had first been approached by the buyers at the beginning of last year.
“They told them we were not on the market. We didn’t realise the impact the roadworks would have.”
She said 17 jobs would be lost.
“My parents tried to hang on because of the staff and even took an extra bond out but we have been running at a loss for months.
“The employees are very sad, but said they could see how quiet we’ve been and they were expecting this.”
Other businesses situated on the main road said they had also received complaints about the road widening process.
Athlone Guest Cottages owner Barbara Hoffman said although most regular guests remained loyal, some described the roadworks as “a pain”.
“We’ve had lots of whinges about the traffic and logjams.
“Some say they will return when the roadworks are complete, but luckily most have been very loyal.”
Brooklyn Lodge manager Jade du Randt said some walk-in guests were unsure how to access the lodge. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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