Français
Dormant? Nowhere to be found? One thing is certain: the restaurant owners’ association has indeed been absent from the scene for several years. In May, thanks to the efforts of the Multiprofessional Economic Chamber (CEM), it was revived. Representatives from restaurants, beach establishments, bars, and hotel groups were brought together to “discuss the challenges facing the sector” and “work together to build a stronger, more structured, and more representative organization,” writes the CEM. The meeting resulted in the election of a new board, with Mahé Stakelborough as president. Aged 34 and manager of Sélect and Eddy’s Ghetto, the new president of the island’s restaurant association approaches his role with pragmatism.
Gaining more influence
“There’s value in having unity among restaurant owners,” explains Mahé Stakelborough. “That said, I’m not delusional. I know we’ll never all be able to say the same thing. But by finding common ground and standing united behind the association, we’ll have more clout, especially when negotiating with the Collectivité.” His initial goals are focused on resuming dialogue among industry professionals. “Even though everyone gets along fairly well, in general, it’s still competitive,” notes the president. “So our goal is to help everyone move forward. We need small restaurants, but we also need large establishments. One of the island’s strengths is its ability to meet every demand.”
“Relying on everyone”
For the new president, the association’s role is to “get things moving” through various means. “Internally, by working even more closely with the CEM on training, and with restaurants as well,” he explains. “We have a wide variety. Not everyone faces the same challenges. Consequently, on certain issues, the idea is to work together to resolve these challenges. ” To give the association greater legitimacy, Mahé Stakelborough wants to include hotel restaurants. “These are large organizations that bring knowledge and expertise,” he says. “The idea is that we can rely on everyone.”
Defending seasonal workers
Another issue close to the newly elected president’s heart is the defense of seasonal workers. “What I feel is that whenever someone has to take the heat, it’s the seasonal workers who get the brunt of it,” notes Mahé Stakelborough. “It’s a bit too easy. Especially since they don’t have an association or group to defend them. We mustn’t forget that it’s also the seasonal workers who keep the island running, in both small and large establishments. Like everyone else here, they contribute something. There are seasonal workers who have been working on the island for years, who know the clientele, have contacts, and are integrated into the island community.”
To support him in his duties, Mahé Stakelborough will be able to rely on Marion Flamme (Vice President), Julie Campion (Treasurer), and Jérôme Delamaire (Secretary).
