East of Sète, the restaurant-brocante Comme à la Maison is going through a period of uncertainty that affects the hearts of its owners, Aurore and Stéphane Carretero. With nearly 20 years of shared stories and more than 200,000 clients welcomed, this place has transformed into a meeting point. Threatened by an expropriation procedure, they see their life project collapsing under the weight of a decision that threatens their identity and their future.
How Does Expropriation Impact the Restaurant-Brocante ‘Comme à la Maison’?
Its location on avenue Martelli makes the restaurant-brocante ‘Comme à la Maison’ a beloved place in Sète for nearly 20 years. Known for its generous and family-oriented cuisine, it attracts a loyal clientele that returns regularly. However, the deep commitment of the owners, Aurore and Stéphane Carretero, is being undermined due to an expropriation procedure. This process, aimed at making way for a ZAC Est project, brings about a wave of uncertainty for these restaurateurs. The Carretero have invested years of work and love to build this space, and the thought of being forced to leave is a source of painful questioning.
The consequences of this eviction go beyond the physical walls. With rents skyrocketing in the Thau basin, finding a similar space is a monumental challenge. Stéphane Carretero shares his despair: “Today, rents have tripled. 100 m² in the Thau basin costs 1000 €. We need at least 500 m². We can’t. We can’t find anything.” Plotting a future for their business becomes increasingly precarious each day.
What Do Places Like ‘Comme à la Maison’ Represent for the People of Sète?
‘Comme à la Maison’ is not just a simple address; it is a true meeting point in the Sète community. Breaking barriers across generations, this establishment is a place where stories intersect. The intimate layout of the restaurant, its rustic tables, and its brocante create a warm atmosphere. Thus, it has become a symbol of what Sète has to offer at its best.
The impact of closing such a space is therefore manifold:
- Disruption of Social Bonds: Over 200,000 visitors since its opening have woven memories here.
- Economic Losses: For employees, the prospect of layoffs is alarming.
- Reduction in Cultural Offerings: The brocante, for example, is a reflection of local and artisanal culture.
- Shifting Local Dynamics: The disappearance of such a place modifies the social fabric of the city.
What Are the Reactions of Customers and the Community?
Within the community, reactions demonstrate a real attachment. Regular customers, aware of the stakes, express their concerns about the uncertainty. Solidarity emerges through initiatives such as petitions, despite the Carretero’s reluctance to fuel a confrontation. Stéphane speaks of a special relationship with his clients, even mentioning familiar faces from the past. Their stories, their familiar faces, resonate with a palpable nostalgia.
The people of Sète seem united by the desire to preserve this space. In this context, the beautiful postcards of Sète, the stories of customers, and Stéphane’s cuisine are all intertwined under the same roof. A sincere bond has been established, making the threat of expropriation even more significant.
What Future Awaits the Owners of ‘Comme à la Maison’?
For Aurore and Stéphane, the future looks bleak as they contemplate a forced relocation. The feeling of helplessness intertwines with anxiety as they attempt to find viable solutions. With particularly high rents and the need for over 500 m² of space, the search for a new location is more than just a move: it is a reinvention.
Additionally, the financial burdens multiply. They would need to consider substantial investments to transfer a significant stock of brocante. Financial considerations overlap with emotional ones, further intensifying the pressure on the couple. The answer to the question of their future is vague and uncertain:
- Would they seek to settle elsewhere?
- Could it be an opportunity for personal transformation?
- Would it allow them to redefine their economic model?
How Is the Institution Reacting to This Situation?
At the institutional level, the expropriation process is a sensitive issue. The texts regulating this type of procedure foresee investigations and assessments of the impacts on affected establishments. However, the advancement of projects does not always take into account the human dimension.
Stéphane emphasizes this lack of consideration, displaying genuine frustration regarding the absence of concrete support in the face of the challenges they face. He bitterly testifies to a “lack of empathy” that directly affects them as individuals committed to their project. Citizens’ voices do not always seem to be heard behind administrative decisions.
What Solutions Are Being Considered to Preserve This Place?
In the urgency of the situation, several avenues for reflection are emerging. The owners, although anxious, remain open to solutions to find a compromise. The options being considered include:
- Consultation with Local Authorities: Engaging in dialogue to explore viable alternatives.
- Crowdfunding: Mobilizing the community to financially support the relocation and recreate the space.
- Community Events: Organizing events to mobilize and rekindle interest in the establishment.
These efforts would be essential not only to maintain their business in an uncertain future but also to preserve the spirit of togetherness that prevails in this emblematic place of Sète.
The restaurant-brocante Comme à la Maison in Sète, with nearly twenty years of existence, is facing an expropriation that questions not only its future but also that of an entire community. The owners, Stéphane and Aurore Carretero, have built a place dear to the people of Sète, a space where human warmth and togetherness thrive authentically. However, this delicate situation forces them to reflect on a new reality marked by uncertainty and distress.
The decision of the commercial court to expropriate provokes a genuine shockwave in this tight-knit community. The financial challenges posed by this procedure suggest a troubled future for the employees and loyal clientele who flock to this warm cocoon. The support of these patrons attests to the importance of the place, where memories and stories intertwine.
As the couple tries to navigate this difficult context, the pain felt suggests that Comme à la Maison transcends the simple framework of a restaurant-brocante. It embodies values of sharing, resilience, and attachment that deserve to be preserved. The future remains uncertain, but the fight continues to save this precious heritage.
