A Preuilly Institution Closes

To the universal shock of the town, the Hotel Restaurant de l'Image, run by the Chedozeau family on the market place in Preuilly has closed. The family will put it on the market but at the moment are enjoying a well earned rest. Jean-Michel, the chef and owner, has allowed me to translate his announcement from a week ago. No one in town can quite believe it as it was the sort of place everyone popped into from time to time and the Chedozeaus knew everyone. You were always guaranteed a good value meal made from fresh local ingredients, lunch or dinner. This is a real blow to the town, especially with the planned redevelopment  and improvements for the market place announced by the municipality. Everywhere I go it is the topic of conversation.

"Dear friends, at the beginning of the year and as customary after I have wished everyone a good year to come, I must make good resolutions for 2019. I have decided to hang up my apron and end my commercial activity. After more than 33 years at the helm of l'Image, it is time for me to retire and sail to new horizons. From 1 June 1985, aged 19 years old, with the help of my relatives, full of courage and the will to succeed, I have not stopped giving the best of myself for the satisfaction of my customers, not counting my hours and my sacrifices throughout my activity at the expense of my family and my health. This beautiful family adventure in l'Image started when I was very young and brought me independence, strength, financial security, love, fatherhood, friendships, punishing but rewarding hard work, sufferings also, as in any life. So now it's time for me to find a balance after taking care of my customers. It's my turn to take care of me and my relatives. To cut short all the gossip and other "fake news", it is with the agreement and the support of Martine [his wife, who ran the front of house] and Christophe [his brother, who ran the bar] that I undertake a new life. Time has done its work, the enthusiasm and will to succeed of the early days have given way to fatigue and weariness. It is time I retire so as not to disappoint my clientele and betray my professional conscience. It is with my head held high that I retire, with pride in the work achieved. I leave a healthy and profitable business, I hope it will find buyer so that this beautiful Preuilliacienne institution continues to live on. I wanted to thank my loyal customers who followed me for three decades and believed in me despite my limited experience early on. Many have unfortunately left us. I think of my loved ones gone prematurely, I thank my family for the help and support in my day-to-day life, all those who have contributed to make l'Image a great professional success (employees, apprentices, trainees ...) The Chédozeau Family turns a page in the book of l'Image, started 3 centuries ago, but the story must continue after us." Jean-Michel Chedozeau.

Bon courage Jean-Michel, Martine, Christophe and all the Chedozeau family. May the future bring a sympathetic buyer to reopen l'Image, and much happiness and enjoyment to all of you. I'm so glad we got to eat your last meal at the Saffron Fair.

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