A Chinese language takeaway has revealed how a lot costs have soared for the reason that Eighties after being pressured to close after virtually 40 years of buying and selling.
The Lee household, who personal Solar Rise in New Ash Inexperienced, Kent, say elevated price pressures and overheads made the enterprise unviable.
A menu from their opening day in July 1986 has been retained, which reveals how costs have modified within the final 38 years.
Again then, a portion of boiled rice would price 90p, not £3.50 because it does now, and a dish of candy and bitter hen would have solely been £1.95, now it’s £7.
Different low cost and cheerful menu choices within the 80’s would’ve been particular fried rice for £1.55, hen chow mein for £1.15 and curry sauce for 60p.
From left to proper, Chi Lee, Shun Hong lee, Shun Man Lee and Might Lee are closing up store after virtually 40 years after operating their household enjoyable Chinese language takeaway
Shun Hong Lee pictured at Solar Rise takeaway in New Ash Inexperienced, Kent
This outdated Chinese language takeaway menu reveals simply how a lot costs have elevated for the reason that Eighties
Proprietor Shun Man Lee, 56, mentioned: ‘We have now determined it’s time to cease doing the takeaway. We have now been right here a very long time however it’s time to name it quits.
‘Ever since Covid, the costs of the whole lot have gone up. We have now raised our costs however it’s turning into extra taxing to the purchasers.’
Mr Lee mentioned the prices of substances have virtually doubled in the previous few years with gasoline and electrics rising by round 30 per cent.
He mentioned objects resembling a bag of potatoes which was once £12 at the moment are £18 and it has turn into cheaper to purchase hen from a grocery store moderately than a wholesaler.
Mr Lee added: ‘We have now been attempting to consider options resembling closing earlier however we’ve had to consider the long-term.
‘It’s a family-run enterprise, we’ve all labored right here, however we’ve to consider the household and easy methods to transfer ahead.
‘This enterprise was to assist the household and youngsters, to verify they’d a very good schooling and have a roof over their heads.
‘Like most immigrant households, we arrange a store to promote the meals we grew up with and would eat.’
He continued: ‘We’ll miss everybody. It has not been a simple resolution. Thanks to all our prospects and their assist previous and current. They’re the entire purpose that it has thrived.
Candy and bitter hen used to price simply £1.95 within the Eighties in comparison with £7 as we speak
The Lee household say elevated price pressures and overheads made the enterprise unviable. Pictured: Might Lee
Proprietor Shun Man Lee (pictured), 56, mentioned: ‘We have now determined it’s time to cease doing the takeaway. We have now been right here a very long time however it’s time to name it quits’
A take a look at the message the Lee household have left behind to their prospects
Flowers have been left by folks in the neighborhood thanking the Lee household for his or her service
Thanks playing cards from loyal prospects at Solar Rise takeaway
‘We didn’t count on such assist from us asserting we have been closing, we’re touched by it.
‘We hope to see folks across the village and say howdy. We’ll nonetheless be in the neighborhood, simply in another way.’
He even mentioned regulars have been bulk-buying fashionable dishes resembling hen chow mein to freeze and asking for his or her curry sauce recipe to make at dwelling.
Mr Lee has labored within the store since he was 17 years outdated however has now determined it’s time to strive one thing new with much less ‘stress and pressure’ and the place he’s now not the boss.
His spouse Might Lee added: ‘We’re going to take a break and see what we will do.’
