10/10/2024
🔸️🔸️A little of a Long Read; but an Important one for Us 🔸️🔸️
This post most probably is the toughest piece I've had to compose in my working life. It's with a heavy heart that the decision has been made to close the business of Gloria Seasons Catering & Seven Seasons Foodtruck also 🥺
With rising costs, lack of communication from an electrical provider last year… & circumstances around our own family-life, this is the right option allround at this time.
There were just too many balls for too long between all aspects of the business & despite what people tell me, I've learnt the hard way that I am indeed not Superwoman. We tried different ways of lessening the load, saying NO when needed, extra staff etc but ultimately the business is not viable anymore - financially or otherwise.
I loved the people we met throughout. Some lovely lovely families & individuals supported us & we Thank You All 🙏🏼
You kept us going when things were tough & were our WHY for keeping trying. Businesses/ Schools/ Community Services/ Gyms/ Crèches locally sent work our way with some big contracts that kept us afloat & other casual lunches etc that all helped too.
Other people to mention that were all part of our story are Derek+Anna Walker from Natnoot [gave us a stall at the Artisan Market back in 2015 when we started out as Simply Soup] , Gavin+Ricky Boal who gave us the opportunity when we made the big move out of our workspace at home into the well-run Pinehill Industrial Estate & we found a supportive community up there for our 7yrs. Mairtin Kelly from across the Rd who became a good friend in business & was there for some sound advice & guidance at many different stages. Kevin Mc Gee from behind the scenes who was always there to lend a hand or build a counter.
There are plenty others I haven't forgotten but too many to mention- they know who they are. Every customer, supplier & person that helped along our journey, I am forever grateful to 🫶🏽
Our small team of staff that changed at times over the years- they were the best!! We definitely had some good ones & they could put up with me & my pernickedy ways. Ye were all fantastic [well nearly all- let's be honest] !! Could not have done it without ye guys n gals at times.
Lastly my own WEE family who lent me out to long hours in earlier days/years [+ times throughout] . Although flexi-time for family life did eventually come somedays, as a small business we were often running errands, deliveries & against the clock at unsociable hours/weekends. Those who know this one know it!
So, thank you Conaghan Crew 💕
Seven Seasons, name originally derived from our 7 kids. One of said kids cleverly pointed out that we were also in our 7th year of business.[ Gloria Seasons started the same year our Gloria was born back in 2017] . Our Foodtruck Life was definately short & tbh more a struggle to leave than I would have expected. It was a lovely working day having a wee chat with different folks & serving people their favourite Caffeinated drinks, Treats & Gluten-free options were popular too. Sorry that it was so short-lived & hopefully another local eatery will take over with more GF offerings [please!]
For now, it's hang my apron up time. Going to enjoy Family-life, Training, Enjoying Cooking at home again & catching up with myself before I figure out the next direction.
Will maybe figure out finally what I want to be when I grow up 🤷🏼♀️🫣
It's looking like no soup buckets this Christmas, but not 100% on that one yet?!
Will keep ye posted..
If anyone wants the recipe for our Carmel Slices or Lasagne DM me 😆 & for the best sausage meat to make your own Homestyle Sausage Rolls call into Swilly Meats Butchers.
Thanks For Everything y'All.
Our Foodie Followers were just amazing. Ye all made that chapter sooo worthwhile,
Alana & Team GS 🧡🧡🧡
