The rising cost of living is hitting the hospitality sector hard and there does not seem to be an end in sight for business owners.
From July 1 businesses can expect a price hike for necessities including electricity, gas, staff wages and produce.
Sorrentos Café owner Amanda Hudson said the rising cost of living prices and the associated challenges that lie ahead are definitely scary, especially for the hospitality industry.
“It is going to be a shock and it is going to be a shock to all businesses I think,” she said.
Ms Hudson said the rising costs meant an unavoidable price rise for Sorrentos Café and many other businesses like it.
“We have to increase our prices which no one likes, which no one wants to do but there is really no choice,” she said.
“It is going to be a slight increase, hopefully it will not be offensive, it will be a dollar here or a dollar there.
“I will keep my coffee prices as they are at the moment, they will not be touched because everyone needs a coffee.”
Ms Hudson said the business has been affected by the cost of living since COVID.
“That was scary in itself but then the rules get easier and we are back to full capacity, but now you have this,” she said.
“We have to keep the customers coming in, so we have to make it attractive for them to spend their money which everyone is looking at at the moment.
“We have still got the customers coming in, but I would not say as many.
“I hope it holds steady very soon especially for smaller businesses than mine, I feel for them.”
Ms Hudson said she was thankful for the support of the Mount Gambier community and the way local businesses looked out for one another.
“Mount Gambier is a very loyal town with beautiful customers so the people that can support the businesses in Mount Gambier do,” she said.
“All businesses help each other out here and I am sure it will continue.
“We support local, we only buy local, so all our wine is local, all our produce we use in the kitchen is local so I am sure they are all feeling it too.
“We will continue to operate and support local, keep our standards high and hopefully maintain an affordable price.”
