“When I bought it, in 2004, it had already been a creperie for almost fifteen years, and I continued what was being done, in the same way, with the same menu. But, to boost turnover, I also decided to enrich the menus with catering other than crepes.” In twenty years, Gilles Stephant has made some changes to the emblematic restaurant Le Champ des Sirènes de La Torche, in Plomeur. In 2006, he launched the construction of a veranda: “I was turning away a lot of people on Saturday evenings, so I expanded with this veranda. Today, we average 80 seats per service on weekends, excluding groups.” The glass roofs overlook a gentle landscape of reeds: “We have 5,000 m2 of land, which means we could still make a beautiful tavern! “.
Facilities to accommodate groups
In 2016, Gilles Stephant also made adjustments so that his establishment could accommodate groups and work with coach operators: “We did the necessary work, it was important given the number of groups who come in the summer by coach to visit Pointe de La Torche or during the flower festival. » He knows that the argument is valuable: “Establishments that can accommodate groups of 50 to 100 people are not common in Pays Bigouden! “.
The regulars come for the atmosphere, by the fire, they feel a little at home
The creperie doesn’t just work on tourism. Many customers are regulars and frequent Le Champ des Sirènes all year round. “They come for the atmosphere, by the fire, they feel a little at home.”
The restaurant employs two employees in the kitchen all year round and additional staff during the summer period. In the dining room, it is the owner who provides the service: “It’s true that it also contributes to an atmosphere of proximity that the regulars really like! », assures Gilles Stephant, who, less than a year from retirement, is looking for a buyer. Which is not an easy thing. “The problem is that the banks don’t lend, they are a little cautious,” explains the business manager. There the buyer would have to arrive with a contribution of 30 to 40% and to display good know-how, with good experience in catering to reassure the banks! »
Banks as arbitrators
The cost of recovery? €250,000 for the business and €280,000 for the walls. “In real estate, banks have less difficulty lending, since they can take out a guarantee, which reassures them,” indicates Gilles Stephant. The creperie has an annual turnover of €400,000. “I remain confident that we will find a buyer. At the beginning of December, I posted an ad on the SOS Villages website and I received comments, like after the TF1 report on the creperie and my desire to sell it. I have contacts with potential buyers from elsewhere, and also locals and restaurateurs in the area. The banks should follow. »
For twenty years Gilles Stephant has not taken a summer vacation: “I do a pleasure job, it’s true, but I would be happy to sell the creperie before the end of 2025, to finally take full advantage of my friends during the period summer! »
