Eskimo Hut closes shop

Business Reporter
BULAWAYO’s ice-cream hub Eskimo Hut has closed shop after its lease agreement was not renewed by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Eskimo Hut owner, Colin Austin, told Business Chronicle that he was left with no option but to close shop.
“The ZITF manager refused to renew my lease with them and we are forced to close down the place. They own the ground, I only own the building hence I cannot continue operations without a lease,” he said.
“I feel so bad closing down this company I worked so hard for all these years. I am also worried that my employees will remain unemployed due to this sudden development.”

It could however not be verified why ZITF had not renewed the lease as the company’s general manager Nomathemba Ndlovu could not be reached for comment.

One of the employees, Enias Sibangani, who has worked for the company for 32 years said the closing down of the company was hard to bear.

“This company was my home, I have worked here for many years. This was our only source of income but now we will be forced to go home and rest since jobs are now hard to find,” he said.

Another employee who requested anonymity said he had become attached to the company.
“We know companies are closing in Zimbabwe but this came unexpectedly. I really enjoyed working here but now all of a sudden I am unemployed,” he said.

Gift Godzi, who was using the premises selling metal and stone sculptures, said he was shocked that the shop was closing.
“I worked with Austin using his premises to sell my sculptures and I paid nothing to him. Now that he is leaving I will have nowhere to do my business. This is so hurtful and so unexpected,” he said.

Eskimo Hut has been in operation for 50 years and it had become familiar with the youths and young adults for its ice cream.
Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo said he was not aware of the situation but believed Eskimo Hut was given a notice to find an alternative.

“I was not aware of the situation but I am sure they were given a notice to find an alternative,” he said.