Rodger Sutherland has revealed that he is stepping down from running Bernie’s Cafe on Ritchie Street.
He took over the running of the premises in 2023 and was recently praised for taking donations for the West Kilbride community food larder instead of accepting payments on the night of Yuletide, raising £175.
Sharing the news on social media, Rodger said: “For the first time I don’t know what to say, the time has come to move on with my next chapter in my life and from right now Bernie’s will be in the hands of new owners, Greg and Nikki.
“After lots of thinking and consideration I have decided to hand over Bernie’s to a fantastic family to live their dream as I have lived mine.
“It’s been a super fantastic adventure, with everything and more than I expected, I’ve made so many real friends that I just could not start to list.”
Rodger Sutherland has thanked customers and fellow businesses (Image: Newsquest)
“First, my landlords, more than that to me but true real friends, John and Kathleen, you will always be in my family’s hearts, thank you for the opportunity to get me where I am now.
“Every business owner, especially Charlie and Fiona, both a great example of how to be in business within our community.
“And to every single Bernie’s Cafe customer, there are lots of you that are more than customers, I’ve no words to explain what you mean to me. I truly am going to miss you all, you have all helped me get to were I am now, I’m going to miss you all.
“Bernie’s new owners will be keeping you up to date – they are working on Bernie’s Facebook page, menus and lots more and their launch opening day.
“Happy New Year and may your dreams come true.”