Cienfuegos/With slaughter and problems, which he prefers to describe as “challenges for 2025”, Abelardo has decided that his cafeteria will remain open against wind and tide. With 57 years behind him, he has no doubt that he lives “the most difficult times of the business”, which he opened in 2019 on Santa Cruz Street, of Cienfuegos.
Like other accounts of the island, the rise in prices and the shortage of products are two realities that snatch the neck of its business. The instability in its price plank has been inevitable and customers, tells 14ymediothey are not the only ones who suffer the disruption of the national economy.
“I started with two employees who were in charge of the elaboration of food and customer service, while I guaranteed the supply of the cafeteria,” he explains. “I paid 500 pesos a day, and I worked, even with taxes to the ONAT (National Tax Administration Office) and hiring a manager who carried business accounting ”.
The turning point – as for thousands of negotiating on the island – was the Coronavirus pandemic and the entry into force of the task ordering in January 2021. He had to fire one of his employees.
“I paid 500 pesos a day, and I worked, even with the Taxes to the ONAT”
The cafeteria began its decline, stunned by the economic measures that the government has implemented in recent years. According to the merchant himself, in the decrease of his establishment, multiple factors have influenced, among which inflation, lack of merchandise and low purchasing power of the population.
“I deal with all means to maintain accessible prices for most people, but if the suppliers of suppliers increase, I have no choice but to collect a little more expensive I too. A cup of coffee that could previously sell it in 20 We have had to upload 30 more pesos.
The situation is further complicated for those owners who must pay the rent of premises. It is increasingly frequent to find a small store or a cell phone workshop, where until some time there was a bar that offered light products. Those who once opted for the sale of food are now evaluating the possibility of a disruption.
“The location of my cafeteria is privileged,” admits Rafael, who, as Abelardo, has decided to keep it open because it is in front of the national bus terminal.
The flow of customers of your premises is “acceptable” during the day. Consumption is mainly based on products that do not exceed 150 pesos. “When the cost price and payments that must be made, the gain is so little that in some cases I have had to withdraw some offers because they cause loss.”
As Abelardo, Rafael also had to say goodbye to an employee: he earned even more money than himself.
“Many people are running out of employment, because business owners are putting obstacles everywhere. From government inspectors who put fines for anything, until shortage so great that it prevents us from moving forward. My wife and I We are trying to continue in this area of gastronomy, but the fight is hard, “explains Rafael.
To economic problems we must add the slowness with which the Ministry of Labor manages licenses to exercise self -employment, and this hinders hiring.
“It is inconceivable that the documentation to use a person delay up to six months,” he laments Eladio, with a cafeteria that he operates. “I needed a saleswoman. Risking me, I put her to work while giving her her license. After five months , the papers were not yet, and she did not want to continue.
In Cienfuegos more and more establishments close their doors with the early hours of the afternoon. There is no money to pay the full day to employees and, in addition, it makes no sense if customers do not make. “I open when I can and how I can”, is the mantra of Eladio, “I have no partners in the MSMEs nor sponsors in the government ”.
