The owner of one of Dundee’s best known restaurants, Collinsons, has announced plans to retire and sell up.
Head chef Stephen Collinson, who launched the business 10 years ago, has stressed the much-loved establishment will remain open until a buyer is found.
The popular Broughty Ferry fine dining spot has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s best restaurants.
Collinsons chef feels retirement is right option
But the 66-year-old says after almost five decades in the industry – often working 60 hours a week – the time has come to slow down.
“I have done 10 years (at Collinsons), it’s time for me,” he said.
Whatever happens, all outstanding vouchers will be valid, so customers don’t need to worry about that.”
Head chef Stephen Collinson
“I can’t go on forever.
“If it takes a year to sell then that’s fine, I’ll keep going.
“I’m not desperate to get away but with my age I just feel like I want my own time back. I’ve seen a few people go before their time in this industry.
“Whatever happens, all outstanding vouchers will be valid, so customers don’t need to worry about that.”
Journey from Perth to Dundee in 70s
The cook moved to Scotland from England in the 1970s, starting off as a young man at the Huntingtower Hotel in Perth.
He then moved to Meadowbank Inn, also in Perth, and opened 11 Park Avenue (now Ganges Indian restaurant) in Carnoustie in 1990, running the AA Rosette-awarded restaurant until 2005.
Stephen eventually opened Collinsons on Brown Street in the Ferry, Dundee, and says the business has gone from strength to strength ever since.
It is one of the city’s top rated dining spots on Tripadvisor with almost 500 “excellent” ratings.
Stephen said: “Oddly, this past year has been the most successful we’ve ever had.
“It has almost been too busy and hard to keep up.
“But we have been so lucky that from day one of opening, custom has been good.
“There have been challenges recently, obviously we’ve also struggled to find and keep staff like a lot of places.
“Costs have also gone through the roof. Our electricity has increased from £400 to £900 per month.
“But aside from that, everything has been really positive.”
Chef will miss running renowned restaurant
The business is being advertised online with offers around £150,000 for the leasehold purchase price.
The selling agents say it may suit a hands on operator/chef who may wish to run the business the same way while putting their own stamp on it.
Stephen added: “I will miss it.
“I think it will be one of those things, you don’t know what you’ve got it until it’s gone.
“I want to thank all my customers for all their support over the years and praise their loyalty to us.
“I don’t want people to think I’m going though, we’re not shutting down and I’ll be here for a while yet.”
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